Talk to the separatists: ICG

The International Crises Group (ICG) on Tuesday urged the Thai government to establish a non-partisan mechanism, to include respected individuals in and out of the government, to pursue dialogue with the Malay Muslim separatists.

In its latest report, "Thailand: The Evolving Conflict in the South," which was released today, ICG urged the government to take up suggestions from the National Security Council (NSC) Administration and Development Policy for Southern Border Provinces 2012-14. The NSC policy, among other things, called for talks with the separatist movement.

ICG said emergency decree and martial law should be lifted in districts where they are remain in effect and to rely on the Internal Security Act until further reforms are feasible.

The report said all regulations invoked should be consistent with the preservation of human rights and that the government needs to insure accountability for human rights abuses committed by security forces, including past incidents.

ICG also called on the separatists to observe international humanitarian law and to abide by the rules of engagement as suggested by one of the Patani United Liberation Organisation (Pulo), one of the long standing separatist organisations. The rule prohibited attacks on civilians.

ICG called on the movement to work with state representatives and civil society organisations (CSO) to pursue dialogue on peaceful conflict resolution.

ICG also urged the CSOs to maintain channels of communication with officials and militants. The group also urged CSOs to avoid advocating preconceived political agendas and to work towards expressing popular concerns and preference.

The government has been carrying informal secret talks with exiled leaders of various separatist organisations but fall short of establishing a formal peace process, reportedly for fear of political backlash from the general public and the fact that there is no unified position among the state gencies and policy makers.

More than 5,000 have been killed in the southernmost provinces since January 2004 and the end is no where in sight. Most of the victims were local Malay Muslims.

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