Nagaland Civilian Deaths: NHRC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance, Seeks Report From Centre, Nagaland Govt Over 'Botched Up Operation'

Sparsh Upadhyay

7 Dec 2021 4:44 PM GMT

  • Nagaland Civilian Deaths: NHRC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance, Seeks Report From Centre, Nagaland Govt Over Botched Up Operation

    The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo-motu cognizance of media reports on the killing of at least 14 civilians in Nagaland [Oting village in Mon district] on Saturday evening as a result of the action of the Armed Forces.As per the media reports, the civilians were killed when their vehicle was fired upon in an alleged botched up operation by the Army Para...

    The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo-motu cognizance of media reports on the killing of at least 14 civilians in Nagaland [Oting village in Mon district] on Saturday evening as a result of the action of the Armed Forces.

    As per the media reports, the civilians were killed when their vehicle was fired upon in an alleged botched up operation by the Army Para Commandos, lying in wait for Militants in Mon district of Nagaland late Saturday on 4th December 2021.

    NHRC has noted that this incident triggered several incidents of arson, rioting, and attack on soldiers and Assam Rifles camp resulting in more injuries and deaths, including that of one soldier.

    Also read: Explained: Does AFSPA Give Total Immunity To Armed Forces For Killing Civilians?

    Therefore, the Commission has issued notices to the Union Defence Secretary, Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police, Nagaland calling for a detailed report in the matter within six weeks.

    The report is expected to include the status of the inquiry being conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), relief granted to the Next of Kin, NOK of the deceased, Status of the medical treatment being provided to the injured, and the cases registered against the persons/officers responsible for the incident.

    Issuing the notices, the Commission has also observed that it is incumbent upon the security forces to ensure proper precaution with a humane approach even if it involved the militants.

    According to the media reports, NHRC noted, the State Government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a probe into the matter. The Army has also instituted a Court of Inquiry to probe the circumstances that led to the tragic outcome of what was to be an operation targeting the alleged militants. 

    Expressing regret over the incident, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah yesterday informed in the Parliament that "a team of 21 para-commandos of Indian Army laid an ambush" for insurgents but "it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity".

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