New Delhi: The Indian Army on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to Nagaland's Special Investigation Team (SIT) to record statements of the troops involved in the incidents in which 14 civilians lost their lives in Mon district of Nagaland earlier this month, sources told news agency ANI.
The unit is located in Jorhat district of Assam.
"From day one, the Indian Army had assured the authorities on extending support and cooperation for the investigations into the incidents which took place on December 4," the source said.
All the jawans and officers, involved in the horrific incident of the ambush which took place on December 4 where as many as 14 people were killed, will be examined and their statements will be recorded.
The development comes days after the Indian Army on Sunday said its inquiry into the civilian killings in Nagaland is progressing expeditiously and all efforts are being made to conclude it at the earliest.
"We have taken out notices for people to come forward and assist us in the inquiry by providing any information including videos, photos or any other material from original sources and will be grateful for the same," Army said in a statement.
"Indian Army deeply regrets the loss of lives during the Dec 4 incident in Mon District, loss of lives is indeed sad and unfortunate," the statement read.
"The Indian Army is also fully cooperating with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry ordered by State Govt and required details are being shared in timely manner. We request all brothers and sisters of Nagaland to be patient and wait for the findings of the Army inquiry. We assure you that action will be taken in accordance with the law to secure justice for all," it said.
Noting that the people of Nagaland "have always cooperated and assisted the security Forces in maintaining peace and tranquillity over the last many decades", the army said: "We share a deep bond of brotherhood, trust and friendship with you. Let us work together for a brighter and better future".
On December 4, a unit of the 21 Para Special Forces conducted an attack on suspected NSCN-K-Yung Aung faction cadre near Tiru village in Mon district and instead of gunning down the suspected militants, it killed eight civilian miners belonging to Oting village who were returning home in a pickup truck.
According to reports, six civilians were immediately killed as a result of the ambush and two were severely injured.
After the incident came to light, the villagers rushed to search missing miners and found their bodies. In retaliation, the villagers attacked the local armed forces and in the ensuing firefight seven more civilians and one jawan were killed.