Soldiers kill 14 youths in Nagaland, situation tensed
CM Rio rushed back from Delhi, SIT probe ordered, Amit Shah condemns
Our Bureau
KOHIMA, December 05 2021: Soldiers shot dead 14 youths in one of most horrific incidents in recent time in Nagaland on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at Oting village in Mon district triggered widespread tension and invited massive condemnations.
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. 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.
Meanwhile authorities shut internet and SMS services in Mon district in view of prevailing security situation.