The Newster
The security forces deployed in Nagaland to provide safeguard to civilians have mistakenly killed 6 civilians and 7 in self-defense taking the total to 13 deaths in Oting village of Mon district. The forces fired at the people who were travelling in their car as they thought them to be terrorists.
The special forces in the area are said to have tipped off by the intelligence agencies about some terrorist action in the area. A unit of different forces was deployed for the surveillance and ambush after getting inputs from the intelligence, sources in the security forces confirmed to the news agency ANI.
The civilians travelling in their car were fired at by the security forces after they intruded one ambush party and reached the area of second one when the firing occurred.
The confusion occurred as the civilians were carrying hunting rifle with them.
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After the incident, more than 200 civilians who were protesting against the killings surrounded 14 security personnel. Some of the civilians, according to the sources, were wielding machetes. Reportedly, a soldier was attacked by the angry mobs when the security force fired at the civilians again “in self-defense”.
In the second blood both, 8 people reportedly killed taking the number to 14 including one security personnel who later succumbed to the injuries.
Naga students along with Mizos and other students of RIPANS Aizawl, Mizoram held a candlelight vigil in the campus this evening to mourn the death of innocent civilians who were kiled by security forces at Mon district, Nagaland. 
Vehicles of the security personnel were set on fire in the fallout of killings in Oting, Mon. 
Civilians killed lie in queue awaiting for cremation
The Army said in a statement said, “the incident and its aftermath is deeply regretted. 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.”
“The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries,” it added.
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio also condemned the killings and assured a high-level investigation. Mr. Rio said, “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.
Home minister Amit Shah also express his anguish over the killings and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. The minister said in a tweet, “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.”
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