The 3 corps of the Indian Army, headquartered at Dimapur in Nagaland, has issued a statement saying that it ‘regrets’ the “unfortunate loss of lives” at Oting village in the state’s Mon district on Saturday evening.
“The incident and its aftermath is deeply regretted,” the Indian Army’s 3 corps said in its statement.
It added that the incident and loss of lives are being put under investigation.
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“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,” stated the Army.
Also read: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio announces SIT probe into Mon killings
The Army further said that security forces were present at Tiru village near Oting village in Nagaland’s Mon district for a “specific operation”.
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“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 statement from the Army read.
Notably, many are accusing security forces deployed in the area of opening fire upon the civilians.
At least 15 people lost their lives in a firing incident at Mon district in Nagaland on Saturday evening.
Also read: Nagaland: 15 killed in firing incident at Mon
The incident took place somewhere at Oting village in Mon district of Nagaland.
The incident allegedly took place when a group of labourers onboard a pick-up vehicle was on its way from Tiru village.
Meanwhile, tension prevails in the area following the firing incident.
A group of irate villagers also set on fire couple of vehicles belonging to the security forces following the incident of firing leading to deaths and injuries.
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On the other hand, the Army has said that one of its jawans, who suffered injuries in the incident, has succumbed.
“The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries,” the Army said.
However, it is not yet clear as to how the personnel of the security forces sustained injuries in the incident.
It is being speculated that the personnel of the security forces might had sustained injuries when irate villagers set on fire the vehicles.
Meanwhile, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has announced a special investigation team (SIT) probe into the killing of innocent civilians at Oting village in Mon district of the state.
While appealing for peace, the Nagaland chief minister said that a high-level SIT will investigate the killings and deliver justice.
“High level SIT will investigate and justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections,” Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio said.
Rio added: “The unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families & speedy recovery of those injured.”