Indian Tribal News Service
Guwahati/New Delhi
The famed Hornbill Festival 2021, which was into its fifth day on Sunday (December 5), has been cancelled as tragedy struck the State with security forces killing 13 civilians in two separate but related incidents — first in a major case of mistaken identity as their anti-insurgency operation went horribly wrong and second in self-defence as they fired at an angry mob which attacked their camp after knowing of the killings.
Soon after, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation announced the (ENPO) 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
Later, as situation remained tense, the 10-day mega festival was shut down. The Festival had opened to a capacity crowd on December 1, with over 12,000 visitors making it to the event being held after a gap of one year due to Covid restrictions.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio rushed back to Kohima from Delhi to hold an emergency meeting on the incident even as mobile internet and bulk messaging services have been suspended
Sources said following a tip-off about a possible movement of insurgents of Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K), the security forces had laid an ambush on the Tiru-Oting road in Mon district on Saturday afternoon. Mon shares a porous international border with Myanmar, where the Yung Aung faction of NSCN (K) is based.
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.”
But the forces opened fire on a vehicle on the Tiru-Oting road, which was carrying villagers. Six villagers died when the forces opened fire, two died later while being taken to the hospital, sources said.
Soon after, angry locals surrounded and attacked the Assam Rifles camp, police sources said adding five more villagers were killed and six injured as the forces opened fire at the mob in “self-defence”. A soldier died and three vehicles of the security forces were also set on fire, they said.
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton promised that justice will be delivered.
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.
