Hawzah News Agency-Authorities in the southern provinces of Thailand have banned several non-governmental organizations in the restive region to hold a forum at the historical Kerisek Mosque, in conjunction with the World Peace Day. The organizers, Patani Raya Board for Peace (LEMPAR) and the People Networking for Peace, had failed to obtain permit from the authorities for the forum which was supposed to be held yesterday.

“The police, army, district office and local authorities’ officers had called for a meeting and prohibited us from organizing the event today as we were told we did not get a valid permit from the relevant parties,” said the forum’s representative Ariffin Soh here today. LEMPAR director Tuwaedaniya Tuwaemeangae said the district office told them that if the event took place today, it would further hamper the peace talks being held between the Thai government and MARA Patani, an umbrella organization of insurgent groups. The organizers had apologized to those who attended the event and read out a declaration which among others requested the government and militant groups to work for peace, in line with their local identity and local culture. Before leaving, they also performed a special prayer for peace.