Heal wounds from Tak Bai: NHRC
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NIRAN PITAKWATCHARA, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), yesterday called on the government to provide a clear time frame on seeking justice for Tak Bai victims and healing the wounds the incident caused.
“It’s been 10 years already and counting. We need eventually to find an end to this, or it will end up in limbo like many other cases,” he said.
More than 1,000 protesters were beaten and piled on to trucks in Tak Bai, Narathiwat province, in 2004, eventually resulting in 85 deaths. The NHRC has been pushing for the rehabilitation of the victims and their families, as well as providing them with justice.
The commission has also asked to file lawsuits on their behalf.
Niran said he wanted a clear time frame on what action will be taken once the Cabinet has acknowledged the NHRC’s recommendations. “Let’s have clear-cut discussions on solutions for the incident,” he said, adding that previous negotiations had been affected by political agendas.
The commission recommends that the public be made aware of the incident, and that the authorities put in place mechanisms and regulations to control public assemblies.
The government should establish specific bodies to be in charge of assembly control, the recommendations continue, with clearly, well-planned operations. Last but not least, The Cabinet and relative governmental agencies should also initiate help process toward victims and their families.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has agreed to put the matter on the agenda for the next Cabinet meeting, adding that relevant agencies, such as the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, would be told to follow up.
