Martial law invoked in Narathiwat

The military in the southern province of Narathiwat has invoked Martial Law ahead of operations by security forces to locate and arrest suspected insurgents, using up to lethal force immediately against violent elements who pose a threat, but only when necessary and proportion to the threat.

The ramped-up security measures were imposed on Thursday by Maj. Gen. Yod-Arwut Phuengpak, commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, in the aftermath of a deadly attack on paramilitary rangers guarding a road block in Ra-ngae district of Narathiwat which left five of them dead and six civilians injured.

The military has been authorised to set up roadblocks on public roads and to search, without a warrant, suspect vehicles and houses believed to be connected with insurgent elements and to arrest suspect individuals.

The military is also authorised to arrest and detain suspects with an arrest or detention warrant for a duration specified in the Martial Law. They also take over responsibility for maintaining peace and order across the province. Civil servants and non-military officials are now answerable to the military on matters pertaining to the maintenance of peace and order and suppression operations.

The Narathiwat Task Force said that the tighter security is designed to put pressure on and track down insurgents, to bring them to justice and ensure the safety of life and property in the province.

Martial law will remain in force until further notice.