Nagaland CM appeals for peace after 11 civilians killed by security forces

New Delhi: Tension runs high in Nagaland’s Oting village of Mon district after security forces opened fire on civilians on Sunday suspecting them to be NSCN militants.

Condemning the incident, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called it unfortunate and said that a high-level SIT will investigate and justice delivered as per the law of the land.

As per the local media reports, villagers protested against the killings and torched many vehicles belonging to the security forces. They also claimed that the youth were innocent and were returning from the coalfield.

Few more people were injured when security forces fired shots to control the irate mob.

“The unfortunate incident leading to the killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. High-level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections,” he tweeted.

Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences on the unfortunate incident.

“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,” he said in a tweet.

Issuing a statement Assam Rifles said that based on credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents, a specific operation was planned to be conducted in the area of Tiru, Mon district.

The Indian Army also said that one of its personnel was killed and several others were injured in the incident.

“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,” it said.

The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident, it said.