Nagaland Violence: In Mon district of Nagaland, at least 11 civilians have been killed in security forces firing. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. He also appealed to the people for peace. The situation in the area has been quite tense since the firing. There is information that the incident took place when villagers were returning home in a pick-up truck.
Killing of civilians unfortunate incident - CM
Villagers angrily set fire to several vehicles of security forces after seeing the bodies of people after the incident. Several people including security forces were also injured in the fire. The chief minister had tweeted expressing grief over the incident. "The incident of killing of civilians in Oting village of Mon is unfortunate and I strongly condemn it," he said. Expressing deep sympathy to the families of the victims, he said that I wish that the injured people get well soon. He said the high level SIT will look into the matter and justice will be done according to the law. I appeal to all sections for peace.
One security personnel also killed
The Indian Army said in its statement that angry villagers attacked security forces over the death of people, in which one soldier has died while many soldiers have been injured. Police said they are investigating the incident to find out if it is a case of mistaken identity. In this regard, a police official said that the exact number of dead is not yet known, as 11 people died on the spot. Many people who were seriously injured died in the hospital in the neighboring state of Assam.
The police official said the incident took place between Oting and Tiru villages when some daily wage labourers were returning home from a coal mine through a pickup van on Saturday evening. He told that army personnel operating in the area allegedly opened fire on the vehicle after the militants of the Yung Ong faction of the banned outfit NSCN (K) were reported to have been involved.
Amit Shah also expressed grief
Home Minister Amit Shah has also condoled the incident. He tweeted, "Saddened by the unfortunate incident at Oting of mon in Nagaland. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. A high level SIT team constituted by the state government will investigate the incident. So that justice can be done to the unhappy families."