KOTA BARU: The Kresek mosque in Pattani, Thailand, where 32 Muslim men were killed in a brutal attack 14 years ago, continues to receive visitors from Malaysia.
The mosque’s imam, Zakaria Mat Sin, said Malaysians, especially those from East Coast states like Kelantan and Terengganu, travelled all the way to the area to see bullet holes and other damage left from the attack.
“People from countries like Malaysia and Singapore are still visiting the mosque to see the damage done in the attack.
“Me and my assistant, Ahmad Daud, 52, are here all the time to tell the story to the visitors while showing them the damage,” said the 64-year-old imam, who added that visitors also performed the daily prayers with them.
“The visitors told us that they pray to God that such incidents will not happen again and that the oldest mosque can be maintained.”
Recalling the incident, Zakaria said he was waiting to perform the Subuh prayer with the 32 men when the attack happened.
“I was waiting outside the mosque when suddenly I heard loud sounds coming from the mosque.
“I saw many soldiers outside and inside the mosque. I only went inside with other villagers when the attack had ended,” he said.
On April 28, 2004, the Thai army surrounded the mosque where it was said 32 Malay Muslim separatists were holed up.
The men were among more than 100 who, the militray said, had attacked a dozen police stations and checkpoints across the south earlier in the day.
After an eight-hour standoff and exchanges of gunfire, the army attacked, killing everyone in the mosque.