Pattani United Liberation Organization
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The Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) is one of the active armed terrorist groups that calls for FREE FATANI, as pronounced locally, this group, along with others, is currently fighting for the independence of Thailand's predominantly Malay south. Currently, PULO is targeting civilians (Buddhists, Muslims alike), government officials, soldiers and policemen and carries out operations in the forms of motorcycle drive-by shootings and bombing public places. The struggle of PULO is the continuation of the struggle by the Malay Sultanates and Kingdoms after the area was colonialised and annexed by Siam two centuries ago.
PULO, in its acts of independence, wishes its proposed state would cover the areas historically ruled by Sultanate of Fatani (consisting of Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala provinces), Singora (consisting of Songkhla province), and State of Satul (consisting of Satun province).
In December 2004, Malaysian politician Datuk Annuar Musa alleged that RM 0.12 million (about USD 40,000) had gone from the Kelantan branch of the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) to PULO. These funds have been funneled into arms acquisition programs and training.[1] (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Frontpage/20041209073804/Article/indexb_html) This represents approximately 10% of the revenue PERKIM obtained from sales of a timber concession which was directed into a slush fund.