Tension grew in Nagaland following the killing of 13 civilians; Curfew imposed, internet banned
The Mon district of Nagaland is in tension following an event on Saturday in which the Indian Army fired on civilians, killing 13 people. According to the authorities, the soldiers mistook people for insurgents.
The Army’s 21 Para Special Forces “blankly opened fire,” killing numerous Oting villagers in Nagaland’s Mon district near the Assam border, according to the state police’s FIR against the Army unit. It further claims that security personnel’s “intention” was to “kill and harm people.”
On Sunday, thirteen villagers and a soldier were killed in Nagaland’s Indo-Myanmar border district after a counter-insurgency operation went horrifically wrong. In the ensuing fighting, another villager was killed.
Locals became enraged and encircled the security officers shortly after. According to police sources, the soldiers opened fire on the mob in “self-defense,” killing five people and injuring six more. A soldier was killed, and three security cars were also set on fire.
According to those familiar with the situation, the authorities have enforced a curfew in the area and have barred the movement of any non-essential vehicles.
The Nagaland government announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the 13 individuals slain on Sunday. On Monday morning, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with his cabinet colleagues and key government officials, will pay a visit to Mon to examine the situation and pay tribute to the deceased.
In Mon town, a curfew has been enforced, as well as prohibitive regulations, and internet services have been suspended indefinitely.
Unidentified Army officers and local citizens are charged with murder around 6 p.m.
The NSCN(IM), which is in peace talks with the Centre over the Naga political issue, has slammed security forces for killing civilians, calling it a “Black Day” for the Naga people.
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, expressed remorse for the incident and promised that the state investigation will “provide justice for the grieving families.”
