At least 13 civilians were allegedly killed by Assam Rifles during a security operation in Nagaland’s Mon district on Saturday evening, Press Trust of India reported.
According to the report, the situation in the area is tense.
Condemning the incident and appealing for “peace from all sections”, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Sunday ordered a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
“The unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families and speedy recovery of those injured. High level SIT will investigate and justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections,” tweeted Chief Minister Rio.
The Assam Rifles also issued a statement saying the incident is “deeply regretted” and that it will be investigated by a Court of Inquiry. It said the security operation was planned based on “credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents”. Several government forces suffered severe injuries and a jawan succumbed to his injuries, it said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. He 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.”
