Islamic Liberation Front of Patani

The Islamic Liberation Front of Patani, until 1986 known as the National Liberation Front of Patani is a militant Islamic separatist movement based in northern Malaysia and with a history of operations in the South Thailand insurgency.

History

The group was formed in 1959 by Tengku Abdul Jalal, aka Adul na Saiburi, and is reputed to be one of the first armed insurgent outfits in the Pattani area. The group had its base in Southern Thailand.

''Barisan Islam Pembebasan Patani''

The BNPP was very active in the 1970s and 1980s. It renamed itself to "Islamic Front for the Liberation of Pattani" in 1986. After a period of dormancy, it was revived in 2002. The renewed group has reduced its nationalistic emphasis and expanded its hard-line Islamic politico-religious goals. It is known for its attacks against the Buddhist minorities of Southern Thailand. The political wing of the group participates in Malaysian state-level politics.