Reports say the assault took place when coal mine workers were returning from the coal mining area, on their way to their village from Tiru by pick up truck.
New Delhi: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday (December 5) condemned the incident in the Mon district of the state wherein ten people reportedly were killed, and he appealed for 'peace from all sections' and assured justice.
"The unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable," he wrote in a tweet.
"Condolences to the bereaved families and speedy recovery of those injured. High level SIT will investigate and justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections," the Chief Minister wrote on the microblogging site.
Rio, who was in Delhi and met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday, rushed back to the state on Sunday morning.
"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," Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted. A high-level SIT constituted by the State govt will thoroughly probe this incident to ensure justice to the bereaved families, he said.
Reports say the incident happened when the Oting villagers – coal mine workers – were returning from the coal mining area on their way to their village from Tiru by pick up truck when the assault took place.
The situation in the area has been described as grievously tense as there are reports of civilians setting ablaze vehicles belonging to Assam Rifles.
President of Oting Village Students' Union Keapwang Konyak has been quoted in a local newspaper saying that the incident came to light when the villagers did not return home even after their usual time.
Eyewitness account said at least six people were killed on the spot. The unfortunate incident could be a case of the 'mistaken identity' of the victims.
Meanwhile, reports from the state capital Kohima said, the sombre mood prevailed at the venue of the annual tourism bonanza Hornbill Festival, which had begun on December 1.
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