Nagaland Firing: 13 Civilians Killed in Firing by Security Forces
Issuing the first statement on Nagaland civilian killing, Assam Rifles officials said that a specific operation was planned in Tiru, Mon District based on ‘credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents’.
The officials further added that the incident is ‘deeply regretted’ while mentioning that Security Forces suffered severe injuries with one succumbing to his injuries. Reportedly 13 civilians were killed by security forces in an ambush mistaking them for National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) militants.
‘Cause of loss of lives being probed by a Court of Inquiry at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken,’ informed Assam Rifles officials.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry into the killing of civilians during the operation.
Condemning the incident, Nagaland Chief Minister Rio shared on Twitter, “The unfortunate incident leading to the killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families & speedy recovery of those injured. High-level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections.”
The unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable.Condolences to the bereaved families & speedy recovery of those injured. High level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land.Appeal for peace from all sections
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) December 5, 2021
As per reports, clashes erupted after security forces mistook the Naga youth to be National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) militants and fired at them.
In a major mistaken identity incident, at least six innocent lives have been claimed after armed forces suspected them of being insurgents.
As per sources, the incident escalated when villagers staged protests against the seemingly unjustified killings.
Security vehicles were ransacked and set ablaze by anguished villagers while the armed forces had to resort to violence to control the enraged demonstrators.
The victims were reportedly commuting in a truck at Oting in Mon district.
As further details are awaited, the Chief Minister has assured justice in the incident. According to the sources, the victims were daily wage labourers who were returning in a pick-up van from a coal mine.
As of the latest information, 13 civilians have been killed.
