Schools in deep south remain closed as violence continues unabated

Violence continued in deep southern province of Yala on Tuesday, with hundreds of schools in the region remaining closed on Tuesday as teachers' associations protested the government's failure to tackle insurgency problems.

President of Teachers' Federation in Narathiwat, Sanguan Indhrarak said that if the problems remained unsolved, more schools would be closed.

The teachers' associations and federations in the region decided to close 332 schools in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat with effect from November 23. The decision was taken after a female school director in Pattani's Nong Chik district, Nuntana Kaewjan was gunned down a day earlier about 100 metres from her school.

Sanguan said the teachers' organisations were closely watching the situation and if it did not improve, more schools in the provinces would be closed.

"We demand that security authorities review their safety measures and plans to restore confidence and morale among educational personnel, particularly teachers and students," he said.

The morale of the personnel is now at its lowest level following repeated violence and deaths of their colleagues in the region.

Meanwhile forensic officials collected the shells of five M-79 grenades at an army post, which was attacked on Monday in Yala's Bannang Sata district. Three soldiers were slightly wounded in the attack.

The explosions, which occurred around 8pm, also damaged the library roof at the nearby Ban Bajoh school.

After the explosions, both sides exchanged gunfire for 15 minutes before the insurgents managed to escape.

Useng Longdeva, director of the school, abruptly suspended all classes on Monday. It has 474 students and 28 teachers and other educational personnel.

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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/11/27/schools-in-deep-south-remain-closed-as-violence-continues-unabated/