[Buddha-l] Insight into Anti-Muslim Violence in Sri Lanka

[Dan Lusthaus]

As folks wring their hands and agonize over Buddhists hardening attitudes 
toward Muslims, here's a reminder of (1) what they are reacting against, and 
(2) the difference between how "protest" is carried out on the Muslim side 
(remember that the recent riots in Burma got violent *after* a Buddhist monk 
was killed, a sequence of events often glossed over in media coverage).

Note the target and method. This is not unusual -- it is unfortunately 
typical.

Dan

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/09/10/world/asia/10reuters-thailand-school.html?hp

September 10, 2013
School Bomb Attack Kills Two in Southern Thailand
By REUTERS

BANGKOK - A bomb attack by suspected Muslim rebels on a school in southern 
Thailand killed two soldiers on Tuesday, part of a patrol sent there to 
protect the teachers, police said.

Thailand is predominantly Buddhist and resistance to central government rule 
in the Muslim-majority provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat has existed 
for decades, resurfacing violently in 2004.

Teachers are seen as representatives of the government.

The attack in Yala came as peace talks between the government and rebels 
have stalled in recent weeks.

"The explosion occurred inside the compound of a school in Yala province 
this morning where children were playing. The bomb was planted by local 
rebels," police said. "At least one child was injured."

(Reporting by Surapan Boonthanom; Writing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Editing by 
Nick Macfie)