At least 14 civilians were gunned down by security forces in Mon district of Nagaland, the Indian Army confirmed the incident while terming it as an unfortunate one on December 5.The incident took place between Oting and Tiru villages when some daily-wage labourers were returning home in a pick-up van from a coal mine in the evening on December 4, the police said.
The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by the army personnel, who were conducting an operation in the area after receiving inputs on the movement of militants of Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K), an official said, adding that an investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity.”The incident and its aftermath is deeply regretted. The cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per the course of law,” the Indian Army in its statement said.”The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries,” it added. Following this Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio ordered a high-level probe by a special investigation team (SIT).
- A curfew has been imposed in the Mon district of Nagaland, and movement of all vehicles of non-essential nature, including commercial vehicles, has been prohibited under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
- 15 people, including 14 civilians and one special forces personnel, have died in the district so far. A murder case has also been filed. The Nagaland government has formed a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the state police to probe the incident. The case has been transferred to the crime branch police station. All activities of the state’s signature Hornbill festival have been cancelled till tomorrow night, government sources say.
- Soon after, angry locals surrounded the security forces. Police sources said five villagers were killed and six injured as the forces opened fire at the mob in “self-defense”. A soldier died and three vehicles of the security forces were also set on fire.
