Bruised community gets back to its feet

After three years of peaceful living, uninterrupted by the sound of explosions and the pain of injuries, the people of Yala were plunged into a nightmare scenario all over again on Jan 22 when a bomb was detonated in a city centre market.

Yala province was making news for the right reasons, as it was enjoying the longest period of peace that residents have known since the start of the deep South insurgency in 2004.

This peace was shattered by the latest bomb, but locals were determined not to let it affect their lives, and quickly returned to their old routines.

The morning market quickly sprang back to life. The army set up checkpoints at all major venue entrances across the city, but they blended in with the locals, becoming part of the community. While some vendors complained of having to change their route when entering and leaving the market, they ultimately understood it is for their safety and security. Shoppers still faithfully flock to the market every day.

Nearby, one can hear the sound of morning prayers from the Yala central mosque. It is the largest gathering place for Muslims in the city. The mosque is always busy, but especially on Friday, a holy day for Muslims.

The extremist violence in the deep South remains a pressing issue in the area. Local government officials are trying to solve the issue without applying any violence.

They have adopted a policy of dialogue, and are seeking to provide education and jobs for locals in a bid to stave off disenfranchisement. However, the conflict has deep historical roots that have made achieving peace difficult. The problem may still take quite some time to heal.

Justice and fairness to everybody seems to be the simplest way out of this unending conflict.