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Southeast Asia
Terror leader demands referendum on autonomy for southern Thailand
2008-02-22
An exiled Muslim terror rebel leader warned Thailand's new government that a violent Islamic jihad insurgency in the south could worsen if the region is denied sovereignty, renewing debate Friday over a possible referendum on autonomy. The comments from Lukman B. Lima, who heads the Pattani United Liberation Organization from exile in Sweden, were the first from the Muslim terror rebel movement since Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his interior minister made conflicting remarks on the issue earlier this month.

"The worst-case scenario can still be avoided, but only if Mr. Samak and the military forces allow the people of Pattani to determine their own future," Lukman said in an e-mailed statement received by The Associated Press on Friday. "If, in a referendum sanctioned by Bangkok, Pattani chooses independence, there will be one less border in the world marked by endemic conflict," he said.

Four small bombs exploded in the region Friday. Authorities blamed Muslim terrorists rebels.

It was not clear to what extent Lukman's comments reflected the views of the other shadowy groups involved in the jihad insurgency. PULO is the only rebel organization to comment on the fighting, and its leaders have been in self-imposed exile in Sweden for several years.

Nimukta Waba, a Muslim lawmaker from Pattani province, said Friday he did not believe Lukman knew what people in the region wanted. "The local people are only demanding justice, fair treatment and equal rights," said Nimukta, a member of the Puea Pandin Party — a member of the government's ruling coalition. "I think at least 90 percent of people here do not want autonomy. It would be useless to hold a referendum."
Posted by:ryuge

#3  This Kosovo thing is catching on.
Posted by: Keystone   2008-02-22 10:53  

#2  After all it worked so well for the Philippines!

Oh wait....
Posted by: CrazyFool   2008-02-22 10:52  

#1  Oh, yes. I'm sure a referendum would make all this bad stuff just "go away". Unless, of course, they lose. Or win...
So sez Lukman B. Lima, deep within his frontline bunker in Sweden.
Posted by: tu3031   2008-02-22 10:26  

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