Throwing light on calamitous events

The government decision on Tuesday to set up an independent commission to look into the killings at Pattani's Krue Se Mosque last Wednesday is welcome news. Questions have been asked by both local and international human rights advocates and others whether security forces overreacted by laying siege to the mosque and the militants inside. The setting up of an inquiry is a far cry from the emotional condemnation of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to criticism of the government's handling of the siege.

Four of the six commissioners making up the panel are Muslims. The commission is headed by Suchinda Yongsunthon, a former diplomat currently on the bench of the Constitution Court.

Because most of the commissioners are former government officers themselves, there could be claims they are unable to perform their task fairly and impartially. It is thus imperative that the government makes it understood that it will not interfere in the commission's work. The government is also advised to include a member of the National Human Rights Commission and a respected Muslim leader from Pattani, where the incident took place, on the commission to make it more credible and give it greater independence.

The decision to storm Krue Se Mosque, resulting in the death of all 32 occupants, has divided the country. Even within the government there are differences on the validity of the order for the assault given by Gen. Panlop Pinmanee, deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command.

It is essential that the government allow an independent commission to look into all the circumstances and answer the many questions if the military operation could have been handled better. Such an inquiry is necessary to avoid future such "national tragedies".

The six commissioners have been handed an onerous responsibility. They will require the full cooperation of all parties who might help to get to the bottom of what took place on April 28, especially the security forces who took part in the storming of the mosque. Even if most of the commissioners are former government officers, we must allow them the benefit of the doubt and give them our full support.

The unprecedented events of April 28 are a black spot on what is otherwise a long history of mainly harmonious religious relations in the South. No effort must be spared by all who are involved to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy. The six commissioners have a crucial to play in laying this calamity to rest. -- Bangkok Post