14 civilians killed during security operations in Nagaland; Army orders probe

Police on Sunday said that at least 14 civilians have been killed during security operations in Nagaland's Mon district, adding that it is investigating whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

The incident took place between Oting and Tiru villages when some daily-wage labourers were returning home in a pick-up van from a coal mine on Saturday evening, a police officer said.

The Indian Army expressed 'deep regret' and ordered a Court of Inquiry into the incident. "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," the Army said in a statement.

"The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries," it added.

Mon shares a porous international border with Myanmar, where the Yung Aung faction of NSCN (K) is based.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio condemned the incident and assured that it will be investigated. "The unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families & speedy recovery of those injured. 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 took to Twitter to condole the killing of civilians in this 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  tweeted.

Official sources said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General MM Naravane have been briefed about the incident.

In protest against the incident, the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisaiton (ENPO) urged the six tribes of the region to withdraw participation from the ongoing Hornbill Festival, which is the state's biggest tourism extravaganza.

"While expressing deep sorrow and sadness over the indiscriminate firing by Indian security force where more than 10 daily wage laborers from Oting village were blatantly killed, the ENPO vehemently condemn the barbaric act of the security force," a release issued the organisation said.