Was Nagaland killings a case of mistaken identify? Here's what the Army has to say

The incident happened in Mon district which shares a porous border with Myanmar where the insurgent faction NSCN (K) are from. (Image credit: File photo)

After 11 civilians were killed by security forces during an anti-insurgency operation in Mon district of Nagaland, the police are investigating whether it was a case of mistaken identity.

A group of daily-wage earners was returning home in a pick-up van from a coal mine on Saturday evening in Mon district when 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), the police said.

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

Security forces meanwhile said it was a case of mistaken identity as the forces were sitting in an ambush when the truck arrived on the scene. Either the truck was caught in the crossfire between forces and insurgents or the truck was mistaken to be the vehicle carrying the insurgents, sources said. Both angles are being investigated.

The Army termed the loss of lives "unfortunate" and stated that the incident is being investigated by the Court of Inquiry at the 'highest level' and appropriate action would be taken as per the course of the law.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio condemned the incident and assured that justice would be "delivered as per the law of the land."

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

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) December 5, 2021

"Anguished" Home Minister Amit Shah has also promised a high-level SIT probe and justice to the bereaved families.

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.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 5, 2021