05/04/2011 - Buddhist and Muslim residents in Yala's Muang district yesterday launched a rally in protest of an Army plan to relocate a military outpost, saying they felt safer with the Rangers' presence.
The protest leaders said the Rangers, attached to a taskforce under 47th Ranger Regiment, were friendly and helpful both in security duties and with their personal errands. After brief talks, the villagers dispersed after the Army agreed to extend their terms of service, until civil defence volunteers and watchmen take over in the next few months.
Security has been heightened in Narathiwat in Chinese communities and graveyards during the ongoing Qingming Festival during which Chinese Buddhists celebrate and visit ancestors' graves.
The number of visits has reportedly increased compared to those in previous years because of local fears of possible insurgent attacks. There are 10 local graveyards where a police presence is constant during the festival.
A large cache of weapons and bombmaking devices had been found earlier during a raid in Narathiwat on homes belonging to suspected insurgents, with two suspects arrested.
The search was conducted following tip-offs indicating suspects behind a roadside bomb attack on a military convoy last Tuesday - which wounded 26 soldiers including seven in a serious condition - who were hiding at a village in Yi Ngor district. Two residents suspected of taking part in the attack were apprehended.
Among items seized in the raid were a roll of power cords and six metal boxes allegedly used as containers for homemade bombs, in addition to seven mobile phones, and seven M79 launch grenades.
Earlier in the morning, an M67 hand grenade, in a black bag, was found near a school in Yala's Muang district. The grenade, later defused and disposed of, was possibly left accidentally by security officials rather than insurgents, police said.
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