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Violence erupts in Nagaland as 14 civilians killed by Indian forces by mistake

NEW DELHI, Dec 5 (KUNA) -- Media reports said that violence erupted in many parts of North eastern Indian state of Nagaland on Sunday following the killing of 14 civilians by the Indian Army mistakenly.
The Press Trust of India reported that Indian forces launched a search operation after receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of insurgents in the Mon district of Nagaland.
However, the forces ambushed a civilian working team by mistake while they were on their way back from work in nearby coal mine in Tiru area leading to the killing of six people.
In subsequent attempt to retaliate the killing, the villagers attacked the Assam Rifles camp, which led to further killings of civilians taking the total toll to 14 people.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio condemned the incident and pledged to conduct an investigation into the incident and deliver justice to the families of killed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his anguished and promised to investigate the incident by a special investigation team in order to ensure justice to the bereaved families.
The Indian Army expressed its regret in the incident. "The incident and its aftermath are deeply regretted. Based on credible intelligence of the likely movement of insurgents, a specific op was planned in Tiru, Mon district, Nagaland.
Cause of loss of lives being probed by a Court of Inquiry at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken," Assam Rifles said in a statement.
Nagaland is traditionally a tense area as many of the tribal inhabitants believe that Indian government is not doing enough for their wellbeing and loots their resources.
Several insurgent groups are active in the state and region demanding more autonomy and self rule.
The presence of Army especially Assam Rifles in the region has provoked tension in the past as well due to several mistaken killings. (end) atk.mb