Conflict between old and new PULO over peace talks
The 4th round of peace talks between the government and southern separatist groups scheduled for early December remains highly uncertain due to conflict among a few separatist groups.
A well-informed source said that Mr Kasturi Mahkota, leader of the New PULO, who was allocated a seat in the negotiating team of the separatists was not recognized by the old PULO led by Mr Lukmam bin Lima. The old PULO is expected to issue a statement soon regarding Mr Kasturi’s status in the negotiating team.
The source explained that it was the intention of the Thai side, especially the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre, to bring Mr Kasturi into the negotiating table. A Thai team had been sent to Sweden to talk Mr Kasturi to join the peace process.
However, there is another faction of the new PULO led by Zamzudin Khan which is adopting a wait-and-see position before deciding whether the group wants to join the peace process or not.
Meanwhile, an exiled group called Juwae has posted a message in its Facebook page named Patani Voice and Opinion offering exchange of information and opinions pertaining to the peace talks.
The new PULO and old PULO are to be represented in the separatist groups’ negotiating team with each given a seat. The third seat went to the BIPP group.
In the meantime, it was reported that former chairman of PULO, 74-year old Mr Babomaebueto Betong, who is serving a life imprisonment on charge of separatism imposed by the Supreme Court since 2011 would soon be released under a "suspension of punishment’" programme currently undertaken by the SBPAC and the Corrections Department.
Prisoners who are to benefit from the programme must meet the set conditions which include good behavior, must have served more than half of the imprisonment, over 70 years old or suffering fro chronic illness. However, the released prisoners will be placed under probation and are required to follow a set of conditions which include: must live in a specified domicile; cannot venture out of the restricted zone without prior permission, must report to the police on monthly basis and must not get involved in gambling and narcotic drugs.
There are about 1,000 prisoners who are eligible to this programme this year. Among them is Pol Lt-Gen Chalor Kerdthet, former commissioner attached to the Police Department, who was recently released from prison.
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Caption : Mr Kasturi Mahkota and the symbol of PULO