Black Flags and posters put up at the Konyak Community Morung on December 5 at Naga heritage Village, Kisama in protest against killing of civilians in Oting, under Mon district of Nagaland on December 4. (Morung Photo)
Main Points
· SIT to investigate; Rio, Patton appeal for peace
· Cause of loss of lives being investigated at highest level: PRO Defence
· Mobile Internet Services, text messages suspended
· Black Flag hoisted at Hornbill Festival
Dimapur | December 5
Morung Express News
Several civilians were allegedly killed by security forces in Tiru-Oting road under Tizit and Naganimora sub-divisions of Mon district of Nagaland on December 4.
The Deputy Commissioner Mon told The Morung Express that so far 13 civilians have been confirmed dead and post-mortem are being conducted.
The PRO Defence Kohima in statement also informed that “security forces also suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries.”
According to the PTI news agency, 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.
The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by Army personnel, who were conducting an operation in the area after receiving inputs on the movement of militants of Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K), it said quoting a police officer.
An investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity, he was further quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, it was informed that mobile internet services and text messages in the district have been suspended as a measure to prevent misuse of social media platforms from “whipping-up tension” in the district.
It was further learnt that representative of ENPO, ENWO and ENSF were currently on their way to Mon and an official statement would be issued once they reached the ground zero.
CM, Dy CM vow ‘thorough investigation’
Meanwhile, describing the unfortunate incident as ‘highly condemnable, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday pledged that a “High-level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land” and further appealed for peace from all sections.
"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.
Calling the incident “disturbing and tragic incident,” Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton assured that it would be “thoroughly investigated and justice will be served. “Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. In the wake of the tragedy, I urge peace from everyone!,” Patton further stated in a tweet.
Union home Minister Amit Shah also took to Twitter to express anguish over the unfortunate incident. “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 added.
Appropriate action will be taken: PRO (Def)
Meanwhile, giving its account of the incident, the PRO Defence Kohima in the statement informed that “based on credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents, a specific operation was planned to be conducted in the area of Tiru, Mon District, Nagaland.”
“The incident and its aftermath is deeply regretted. 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,” it said.
The statement further maintained that “security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries.”
Incident reaches Hornbill Festival
The incident, meanwhile, have an impact on the ongoing Hornbill Festival with the hoisting of Black Flags at the Morungs of all the Eastern Nagaland tribes at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama in protest against the killings.
“We condemn the killing of innocent people at Oting village Mon Distrcit on 4th Dec 21” read a banner posted outside the Konyak Morung, at Kisama, the main venue of the ongoing 10-day Hornbill Festival. Another banner called for revoking of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 “immediately.”
It was learnt that Konyak community has decided to abstain from participation in the ongoing festival “citing atrocities perpetrated by the security forces” at Oting Village on December 4. However, it is yet to be confirmed officially.
In the meantime, Adviser to Chief Minister, Nagaland Abu Metha also informed in a tweet that “Two minutes silence & prayer will be observed at Kisama, all the Morungs & all locations of Naga Heritage Village in remembrance & solidarity of the dead in Mon.” “Two minutes silence & prayer will also be observed at all Hornbill events all over the State in respect & honour of the dead,” he added.
