Muslims in the world must have been haunted and sickened by the photos and news that have been coming from the Muslim-dominated area in southern Thailand.

The killing and torture of innocent Muslims in the month of Ramadan by government forces shows that compassion and humility among fellow human beings has lost its value in the 21st century.

Violence begets violence and this vicious cycle has been perpetuated by the bombings and the continual process of avenging old scores.

The Thai authorities should know that poverty and lack of jobs among the youths has made the southern region a breeding ground for undesirable elements, planting seeds of hatred among the youths, leading to them rallying against the government.

Additionally, it doesn't help when government and army officials are prone to practices of corruption and abuse of power - which only enrich themselves and their family - while the majority of the people are in poverty and despair.

Reconciliation can only be achieved if those involved in the genocide are held accountable for their act.

These perpetrators should repent, as the cycle of violence will only increase if Muslims think that what is happening to our brethren in Thailand is reminiscent of what is happening to the Palestinians under the Israeli regime or the Iraqi people at the hands of the coalitions forces.

One tends to wonder aloud why sectarian violence in the name of religion continues to rear its ugly head in this modern time. The events of Sept 11 seem to have marked a new beginning, where people equate Islam with terrorist acts and it is fair game for western governments and non-Muslim nations to treat Muslims with contempt.

Muslims and non-Muslims should know that Islam abhors racism, terrorism and all forms of injustice and it is a tragedy that a few zealot Muslims - who have made bombing and killing their trade - tarnish the rest of the moderate Muslims, who are peace-loving and devoted to their religions.

Most Muslims are God-fearing human beings, who believe they will be judged on their deeds in the world by the Almighty in the hereafter.

The Thai authorities should follow their revered king, who advocated a softer approach to the conflicts in the south, as a way out of the violence.

History has shown that diplomatic discourse normally solves conflicts, rather than the barrel of the gun, which will only affect other regions, if the conflicts are not nipped in the bud.