Dimapur, Dec 5: At least 13 villagers and a soldier were killed in an Indo-Myanmar border district in Nagaland as a counter-insurgency operation went awry on Saturday, sources said. Union Minister Amit Shah said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe the matter.
An elite unit of Indian Army were set for a counter-insurgency operation in Mon district that borders Myanmar, sources said. Following a tip-off about possible movement of insurgents, they had laid an ambush near Oting village on Saturday afternoon. But they opened fire on a vehicle on the Tiru-Oting road, which was carrying villagers, police sources said.
Six villagers died when the Army personnel opened fire, two died later while being taken to the hospital.
In addition, five villagers were killed and six were injured when the security forces opened fire at the mob in “self defense”, after the angry locals surrounded them, police sources said.
A soldier also died and three vehicles of the security forces were also set on fire.
“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 is deeply regretted” Indian Army said in a statement.
“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. It also said security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident, and a soldier died.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted: “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.”
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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) 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,” tweeted Nagaland Chief Minister Rio, who has rushed back to the State from Delhi.
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
Mobile internet and SMS services have been blocked in Mon district to stop circulation of rumours.
This comes at a time when state’s signature “Hornbill Festival”, which will be attended by several diplomats who are already in the area, is happening since 1st December.
The Konyak community, to which the villagers belonged, said it has decided to abstain from any further participation in the Hornbill Festival. Six other tribal groups also said they will not participate in the festival.
