BANGKOK. Sept 8: Burma a armed forces are deliberately killing and ill-treating vj|. lagers belonging to ethnic or religious minorities, according to the London-based human rights organisation Amnesty International, reports AFP.

The accusations are contained in a report made avail able here Saturday, following interviews conducted by Amnesty earlier this year along the Thal—Burmese border.

The victims Include people who were detained or targeted for shooting because soldiers suspect they may sympathize with or support ethnic minority guerilla groups that have been fighting the Tatmadaw' for many years' the report •aid.

Tatmadaw Is the Burmese name for the armed forces, wfroye generals .seized power ,

in Rangoon tn a bloody coup three years ago.

The victims also include people seized by the Tatmadaw’ and compelled to perform porterage — carrying food, ammunition and other supplies— or mine-clearing work, the report said.

Rangoon's central government has been battling a dozen ethnic minority Insurgencies fighting for autonomy since Burma won Independence from Britain In 1984.

"Among those who allegedly have been killed or ill-treated are members of the Karen. Mon and Indian ethnic minorities. which groups people belonging to the Christian, ant mist and Muslim religious minorities," the report said

The Karens and the Mons are living along the country’s border with Thailand.