What Exactly Is The Home Ministry Doing: Rahul Gandhi Questions Centre On Nagaland Deaths

The incident of killing of civilians in Nagaland has received criticism as the deceased were daily wage workers from Oting village who worked in coal mines.

Around 13 civilians were killed in Nagaland by security forces, As a result, the locals put security vehicles on fire. (Photos: AFP | File)

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the centre over the killing of several civilians during an anti-insurgency operation in the Mon district of Nagaland. Gandhi asked what exactly is the government doing if neither the civilians nor the security forces are safe in the country.

“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?” tweeted Gandhi.

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?#Nagaland pic.twitter.com/h7uS1LegzJ

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 5, 2021

The incident of killing of civilians in Nagaland has received criticism as the deceased were daily wage workers from Oting village who worked in coal mines. They were returning home on Saturday evening when the security forces opened fire on their pickup van. The bodies of the deceased were found by some villagers who came out in their search.

Although the exact number of deaths is not clear, according to the statement by a police official, 13 civilians and a soldier died in the incident. Some of the victims died on the spot, and others succumbed to the injuries. 

As a response to the incident, the locals set ablaze two vehicles belonging to the security forces. The Assam Rifles in an official statement has said that the mission was planned on the basis of “credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents.”

Based on credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents, a specific op was planned in Tiru, Mon District, #Nagaland. Cause of loss of lives being probed by a Court of Inquiry at highest level & appropriate action will be taken: Assam Rifles officials

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2021

Now, they have set up an official investigation to know if the incident happened due to mistaken identity. “The incident and its aftermath is deeply regretted. 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. 

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio also announced an investigation in the case by the Special Investigating Team (SIT).

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

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) December 5, 2021

“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,” Rio tweeted.