BANGKOK, Feb 15: Anti-Government protesters in Thailand today refused to end their rallies and vowed to fight “to the end”, even as embattled premier Yingluck Shinawatra’s Government planned to step up its operation to clear demonstration sites.
The police yesterday launched “Operation Valentine” to clear public areas, marking a shift from earlier government policy as so far Yingluck had not taken any action, allowing protesters to take over state buildings, major intersections and set up tents on the road.
There were no violent clashes even after more than 1,500 police officers, donning helmets and carrying protective shields, dismantled a sprawling protest camp near the Government House yesterday.
Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said he will not negotiate with Yingluck’s government and declared the ongoing protests will end when she quits and a People’s Council is set up.
Suthep said there have been several proposals from parties to mediate talks to solve the stalemate.
“I would like to make it clear, there is nothing to negotiate. Our stance is clear. We will fight to the end, just win or lose,” he said.
His remarks came in the wake of operations by the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) to reclaim areas occupied by anti-Government protesters.
“I have noting to negotiate. It’s easy to end our protests, Yingluck (Shinawatra), the prime minister, just quits and the people’s Government and people’s legislative council are established to push for the country’s reform,” he said.
There was high drama yesterday as thousands of police personnel with riot shields fanned out to reclaim areas.
Almost a 1,000 policemen had to retreat from a rally site in the capital after a stand-off with demonstrators as protest leader Luang Pu Buddha Issara, a monk, refused to move from the area and vowed to get more supporters.
Meanwhile, Caretaker Labour Minister and chief of CMPO Chalerm Yoobamrung vowed to step up the operation to evict anti-Government protesters.
Anti-Government demonstrators have occupied major intersections in Bangkok and blocked several Government ministries to pressure Yingluck to make way for an unelected “People’s Council” to carry out reforms aimed at curbing the dominance of the Shinawatra clan.
The protesters accuse Yingluck of acting as a puppet for her brother Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in a coup in 2006. He lives in self-imposed exile in Dubai to escape a jail term for graft. (AGENCIES)
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