New York, May 01: The United Nations human rights chief has asked Thailand to quickly investigate the killings of more than 112 people in the country's troubled south during clashes between the police and armed militants. Acting High Commissioner Bertrand Ramcharan yesterday said the probe into Wednesday's clashes in the provinces of Yala, Pattani and Songkla should be "swift and transparent." Suspected Islamic militants armed with machetes had on Wednesday stormed a number of police posts in the three provinces triggering fierce battle which killed 107 ultras and five security personnel.

The UN official said the security personnel are required to refrain from using force unless the situation demands.
Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by law enforcement officials, "such officials are required to refrain from using force exceeding that strictly required by the exigencies of the situation," he said.

He said immediate measures should be taken to ensure full respect for the human rights of all concerned, including those detained following Wednesday's confrontations. Bureau Report