Army orders Court of Inquiry into Nagaland killings

Funeral of the victims to be held Monday morning

Our Bureau

KOHIMA, December 05 2021: Indian Army Sunday ordered a Court of Inquiry into the killings of 14 civilian men during a security operation at Mon district of Nagaland Saturday evening. In a statement it ‘deeply regretted’ the casualties of civilians who were daily wage earners as well as of a soldier in the incident occurred at Oting village.

The statement assured justice to be delivered to the bereaved families. 

Meanwhile the office of the Governor at Kohima issues a statement informing that a court of inquiry has been instituted against the army personnel involved in the incident.

Officials said one soldier of the Assam Rifles was mowed down by irate residents in retaliatory attack.

Soldiers reportedly mistook youths from Konyak tribe as militants during a counter insurgency operation. Konyaks are the largest of the Naga tribes.

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio assured aggrieved people that justice will be delivered to the victims. He announced constitution of a high-level SIT to investigate the killings and deliver justice. 

Chief Minister who was on an official visit in Delhi rushed back to the state Sunday. He sent out condolence to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery of those injured.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former AICC President Rahul Gandhi and chief ministers of north eastern states expressed anguish over the demise of a large number of people during security operation.

The Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) has announced withdrawal from participation in ongoing Hornbill Festival. It took the decision in protest against ‘cold-blooded murder of 14 civilians by the security forces’.

The KUK has said it will work out protest plans after funeral of the killed men to be taken place tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile authorities shut internet and SMS services in Mon district in view of prevailing security situation.