Investigation Underway To Ascertain Whether Killing Of Civilians Was ‘Case Of Mistaken Identity’: Nagaland Police

A police officer said an investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing row over the killing of civilians in Nagaland’s Mon district, the police on Sunday said at least 13 people were gunned down by the security forces and added it is being investigated whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

A police officer said an investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

Asserting the situation is under control, he said the police is conducting spot verification.

The officer said 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.

He added 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 the militants of Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K), PTI reported.

One soldier also died in the rioting, which followed last evening, as an angry mob surrounded the army vehicles at the spot.

At least three vehicles were torched by the mob.

Meanwhile, the Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry into the incident stating the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level.

Asserting the incident and its aftermath is “deeply regretted”, the Army said one of its personnel was killed and several others were seriously injured.

“Based on credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents, a specific operation was planned to be conducted in the area of Tiru, Mon District, Nagaland. The incident and its aftermath are deeply regretted,” said a statement issued by the headquarters of the Army’s 3 Corps.

“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 statement added.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General M.M. Naravane have been briefed about the incident, PTI reported official sources as saying.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has appealed for peace from all sections and announced a high-level Special Investigating Team (SIT) probe in the case.

“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,” he tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and sought a reply over the “heart wrenching” incident.

“This is heart wrenching. GOI must give a real reply. What exactly is the home ministry doing when neither civilians nor security personnel are safe in our own land?” he tweeted.