Guerrilla war continues as long as injustice persists – PULO

The guerrilla war in Southern Thailand will continue as long as the Thai government fails to deliver justice to its Malay Muslim population, particularly in the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala, according to the Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO).

PULO President Kasturi Mahkota asserted that the Thai government's continued use of security laws, such as the Internal Security Act and emergency decrees, to pressure insurgent groups only fuels the conflict. "The fighters are also human and can consider a ceasefire," Mahkota stated. "But if the government continues to apply pressure, the fighters retaliate because they believe injustice still exists. Sometimes actions (attacks) increase, and sometimes they subside. But it will not stop as long as the authorities remain stubborn. The more pressure, the more actions the fighters take."

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The fighters are also human and can consider a ceasefire. But if the government continues to apply pressure, the fighters retaliate because they believe injustice still exists. Sometimes actions (attacks) increase, and sometimes they subside. But it will not stop as long as the authorities remain stubborn. The more pressure, the more actions the fighters take.

Mahkota urged the Thai government to demonstrate a commitment to ending the conflict by repealing laws that oppress residents in the three southern provinces. He also expressed deep concern over the recent detentions of residents during security operations, emphasizing their right to humane treatment, fair legal processes, access to lawyers, and contact with families, in accordance with international law.

PULO advocates for peace achieved through justice and respect for human dignity. Mahkota reiterated the organization's call for peace talks to resolve the conflict, stressing that Malaysia's role as a facilitator should include all insurgent groups, not be limited to a single movement. He noted that dialogue, initiated in 2013 with only one group, has yet to yield any results that could halt the unrest.

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PULO believes that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, respect for human dignity, and peaceful conflict resolution.