New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the government of India deeply regretted the incident of 14 civilians being killed by security forces in Nagaland’s Mon, and said the situation is tense but in control now.
Giving the details of the incident that took place on December 4, the Home Minister said an ambush was set up by a squad of 21 Para commandos, based on intelligence input.
“A vehicle approached the ambush, and was asked to stop, but instead they tried to speed up and leave the area. On doubt that the vehicle was carrying suspected rebels, firing was resorted to in which six of eight people were killed. It was found to be a case of mistaken identity,” Home Minister Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha. The Minister said after the information reached, locals surrounded the troops, and set on fire two vehicles, due to which one soldier was killed and others were injured.
“To protect themselves and to disperse the crowd, security forces had to resort to fire due to which seven more were killed and many others were injured,” Shah said.
“Local administration and police have tried to make the situation normal. The situation is tense but in control. DGP Nagaland has visited the area, FIR has been registered. A SIT has also been formed which will submit its report in a month,” Shah said. He also said that on Sunday evening, company operating base of Assam Rifles was attacked, and a building was set on fire after which security forces resorted to firing, resulting in one more death.
“Indian Army’s 3 Corps has issued a statement in which the death of innocent civilians has been deeply regretted. The incident is being probed at the highest level and as per law action will be taken,” Shah said. He said the Home Ministry has been monitoring the situation closely.
“It has been decided that all agencies should ensure that any such incident is not repeated in future while taking action against the rebels. Government is monitoring the situation closely, steps are being taken to ensure peace and harmony,” he said. “State administration has imposed restrictions in areas where it is needed. The Government of India expresses deep regret over the incident in Nagaland, and expresses condolence towards families of the victims,” the Minister said.
