February 10, 2005

Rebels warn not to help govt

Separatists distributed leaflets in the southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat yesterday morning warning local community leaders not to cooperate with the government.

 The leaflets, titled ``Peaceful Warning'', said separatists had killed only government officials such as soldiers, police, teachers, kamnans, village heads and members of local administrative organisations because they carried out government policies and were thus considered enemies.

 They claimed to be keeping a close watch on all government officials and warned them against putting their lives and property at risk with their actions.

 Violence continued with two people seen setting fire to the garage gate of Loh Rasaning, 39, of Ban Bannang Babo village, tambon Tham Thalu in Bannang Sata district of Yala at about 11pm on Tuesday.

 But the house owner and his neighbours managed to douse the fire shortly afterwards and damage was limited.