BANGKOK FIGHTING LEAVES 30 DEAD, 232 INJURED

AT LEAST 30 PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN CLASHES BETWEEN
RED SHIRTS PROTESTERS AND TROOPS IN THAILAND

BANGKOK (VOA/AP) - The Thai government has rejected calls by opposition protesters for U.N.-mediated talks to end three days of deadly battles between the two sides in the capital, Bangkok. The opposition activists, known as Red Shirts, said Sunday they were ready for U.N.-mediated negotiations provided the military stops a crackdown on their encampment. Thailand's government says a crackdown on Red Shirt protesters will continue despite their plea for U.N-mediated talks. Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn says there is no reason for the army to withdraw since “authorities are not using weapons to crack down on civilians.” The government maintains it is only targeting armed “terrorists” among the Red Shirts. Panitan says groups that use weapons and threaten security forces must “stop their actions immediately.” Earlier Sunday, the Red Shirt leadership said it would negotiate with the Thai government provided the army ends its crackdown.

Thai troops began sealing off the encampment Thursday and have fired on militant Red Shirts, who have been fighting back with homemade explosives and rocks. Thailand's main emergency medical center says 30 people have been killed in four days of street fighting between Red Shirt protesters and troops in central Bangkok. It says 232 people have been wounded in clashes that began Thursday. Erawan Emergency Center said Sunday all those killed were civilians. The government maintains it is only targeting armed “terrorists” among the Red Shirts. The Red Shirts have been protesting since mid-March demanding the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the dissolution of Parliament and new elections.

The casualty toll in Bangkok has risen due to the clashes between Red Shirts and security forces. When the government does not satisfy people, demonstrations start and protests turn violent; as a result, everybody suffers. We must find relief of these constant disturbances at the Lotus Feet of the Supreme Lord.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US?

This world is the place of turmoil and disturbances caused by the illusory energy of Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. Only a completely surrendered soul can emancipate himself from the grip of this illusory energy and surmount the ocean of births and deaths- threefold afflictions. ... We cannot see adjustment and cannot find solution by our own capacity. Total unconditional submission is the only way of solving all problems. Jivas commit offence at the Lotus Feet of Sri Krishna, when they, being eternal servants of Sri Krishna, become averse to Him. As long as Jivas will not remove this offence, there will be no practical solution. Maya will surely envelope them and there will be desire for enjoyment, which will hurl them down to hell - intense suffering.

Śrīla Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Mahārāja :
Message: “Circumstances should not disturb bhajan”
Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math
hemantag@yahoo.com
sreecgmath@yahoogroups.com