On Saturday, December 5, a special unit of the Army mistakenly opened fire at a pick-up van carrying coal miners from the Tiru area to their village Oting about 15 km away, killing six on spot. According to The Hindu, at least 15 civilians and one soldier were killed in a botched ambush and retaliatory violence in Nagaland’s Mon district. This prompted the State government and the Army to order a probe into the incident.
In the top-secret anti-insurgency operation to gun down the outlawed members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang-Yung Aung) went berserk when Assam Rifles personnel opened fire on the group of daily wage earners returning from work on the Tiru-Oting road.
Police sources said several villagers were killed and injured as the army opened fire at the mob in "self-defence". A soldier got killed in the attack, and three vehicles of the army burned down.
What did the Army say about the Nagaland ambush that claimed the lives of 15 civilians?
“The incident and its aftermath are deeply regretted. The cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated by a Court of Inquiry at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per the course of law,” the Army said in a statement.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted condolences to the families of the deceased. According to the official sources, defence minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen MM Naravane have been notified about the incident.
In an interview with EastMojo, Yaam Wangsha from the Konyak Naga tribe called the killings an absolute disgrace “by the Indian Army against civilians who were just daily breadwinners.”
Local groups have asked for the repealing of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and said the killings are condemnable as a violation of human rights. Family members of the victims bayed for swift justice, or they will not receive the bodies of victims.
The Konyak community, representing the villagers, said it has decided to avoid further cooperation in the Hornbill Festival. Six other tribal groups also said they would boycott the festival.
Author:
Abhishek Bhattacharya
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