Attanun Madaoh, a religious leader, and Muhammad Madaoh were taken away by authorities from a village in the district after they allegedly escaped a crackdown.

The two men were transferred to the Ingkayuth camp in Pattani's Muang district.

The first group started gathering about 2.15pm on the Batong-Kota Bahru Road, threatening to keep blocking the street until the two men were released.

Soon a second group appeared about a kilometre from the first one with a similar demand.

District chief Chamlong Kraidit negotiated with the protesters to stop obstructing traffic and succeeded in getting them to move their protest to the front of a nearby mosque.

They agreed to disperse after Chamlong said authorities were only questioning the two men and they would be freed if they were found to have no involvement in the violence, which continued yesterday.

In Yala suspected militants shot dead two men, including a police officer. Earlier in the day, a 33-year-old Buddhist man was gunned down in a rubber plantation.

Late Friday in nearby Narathiwat, a 39-year-old Muslim policeman was shot dead by men on a motorcycle as he drove his car. His wife was wounded in the attack.