MumbaiTwo Rohingya activist groups in Myanmar say up to 20 people have died of hunger and thirst after a boat carrying Rohingya was stranded off the coast of India for two weeks.
A boat carrying at least 100 people is now in Malaysian waters as members of the Muslim minority continue to flee violence in Myanmar and hardship in refugee camps in Bangladesh.
“Probably around 20 people are estimated to have died. Some died of hunger and thirst, while others jumped from boats in desperation. Working to support the Rohingya in Myanmar. Arakan Project Director Chris Lewa said:
It is not clear if the boat drifted, was towed into Malaysian waters, or if India attempted to provide assistance.
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Every year, many Rohingya risk their lives to board rickety boats to reach Malaysia.
The Rohingya Working Group of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network said the group has been adrift for more than two weeks.
“These people have been adrift in damaged boats for more than two weeks without food or water. I heard that may have already died.
The Sri Lanka Navy rescued more than 100 Rohingya in another boat over the weekend.
In 2018, more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims fled to neighboring Bangladesh following military crackdowns in Myanmar, including genocide and rape.
Human rights groups and the media have documented killings of civilians and burning of villages.
“These people must be disembarked to a safe place urgently. Inhumane.-AFP
