Human rights groups accuses Thai navy of killing two Rohingyas

A leading human rights group on Wednesday accused Thai navy personnel of shooting at least two Rohingya asylum seekers and called on the government to investigate the incident.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said that Thai sailors on February 22 opened fire on a group of Rohingya refugees from neighbouring Myanmar after forcing them onto a boat being sent back to sea in Phang Nga province, 600 kilometres south-west of Bangkok.

At least two were killed after they jumped off the boat and attempted to swim back to shore, Human Rights Watch said, citing testimony from Thai villagers and Rohingya survivors.

"Rohingya fleeing Burma should be given protection, not shot at,"said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The Thai government should urgently investigate why sailors opened fire at boat people helpless in the sea and prosecute all those found responsible."//DPA