Indian Tribal News Service
Guwahati/New Delhi
Tragedy struck Nagaland with as many as 13 civilians gunned down in an alleged “ambush” by security forces in the Mon district in a major case of mistaken identity as an anti-insurgency operation went horribly wrong. A soldier also lost his life.
The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, subsequently, announced the withdrawal of six tribes it represents from the ongoing Nagaland Hornbill Festival.
The ENPO had adopted a resolution earlier against bloodshed in its area. “How can we dance at the festival when our people are getting killed,” a Konyak leader asked.
“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,” Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio tweeted
Union home minister Amit Shah tweeted: “Anguished over an unfortunate incident in Nagaland’s Oting, Mon. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. A high-level SIT constituted by the State govt will thoroughly probe this incident to ensure justice to the bereaved families.”
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton promised that justice will be delivered.
“Oting’s (Mon) disturbing and tragic incident in which civilians were killed will be thoroughly investigated and justice will be served. Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. In the wake of the tragedy, I urge peace from everyone!” he tweeted.
According to reports coming in, the incident took place between Oting and Tiru villages when some daily-wage labourers (coal miners) were returning home in a pick-up van from a coal mine on Saturday evening. The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by 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), police said.
An investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity. Mon shares a porous international border with Myanmar, where the Yung Aung faction of NSCN (K) is based.
The death of the civilians triggered unrest in the area and villagers started protesting. Reports about some security vehicles set on fire by angry villagers and police firing to bring the mob under control.
Assam Rifles officials said the security forces too have suffered injuries in the operation, including one fatality. Regretting the loss of lives, the Assam Rifles said a specific operation was planned in Tiru based on the credible intelligence of a likely movement of insurgents.
“Cause of loss of lives is being probed by a Court of Inquiry at highest level and appropriate action will be taken,” the Assam Rifles was quoted by news agencies.
