According to sources, 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 on Saturday evening.
TFM Desk
In a major case of security operations gone wrong, 13 civilians were killed by security forces between Oting and Tiru villages in Nagaland’s Mon district.
According to sources, 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 on Saturday evening.
It has been reported that 11 people were died on the spot, and several others succumbed to their injuries in hospitals in neighbouring Assam.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Twitter said, “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”.
Civilians killed at Oting in Mon district will be thoroughly investigated and justice served said deputy chief minister Yanthungo Patton.
According to reliable sources, the vehicle used by the civilians were allegedly fired upon by security forces who were conducting an operation in the area. The security forces were apparently tracking the movements of Naga armed cadres of a group based in neighbouring Myanmar.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed anguish over the incident.
In a tweet, he said. “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.”
The Indian army had already issued a statement related to the incident, according to reports.
Meanwhile, The Konyak Union, Kohima has decided to abstain from participating in the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2021 in protest against the actions of the secuirty forces in Oting village area in Mon District. The Konyak Morung at the Kisama festival have been closed down and black flags and posters could be seen at the place.