Veiled militants kill imam
2005-10-28 10:41
Narathiwat - Two Islamic militants disguised as fully veiled Muslim women shot dead an imam and seriously wounded a village official in Thailand's restive southern provinces, police said on Friday.
Matorhe Dueramae, 25, second-most senior imam at Borko village mosque, was killed as he travelled by motorcycle with his friend Mayusoh Yitasor, deputy headman of the same village in Sungai Padi district of Narathiwat province.
Mayusoh fought back with his pistol and injured one militant, but both escaped.
"Police have announced to all hospitals and village clinics to be aware if anyone seeks medical treatment for a gunshot wound", said police colonel Term Inthasara.
Mayusoh was in a critical condition and sent to Sunagi Kolok hospital, he added.
More than 1 000 people have been killed in daily shootings, bombings and arson attacks since the unrest began in January 2004.
Analysts and authorities blame the attacks on Islamic separatists, organised criminals and local corruption.
- AFP