NEW DELHI – At least 13 people, all coal miners, were killed by Indianforces in an alleged incident of mistaken identity in northeast remoteregion of Nagaland, which borders Myanmar, local media reported Saturday.
Following the outcry, the Indian army termed the killing of Nagalandcivilians unfortunate, while the state government ordered a special team toprobe the tragic incident.
A statement issued by forces said the army 3 corps deployed in the regiontakes responsibility for the killing of the civilians and assuringappropriate action.
Members representing the Konyak community in the district said all deceasedwere coal miners who were returning home to Oting village in a pick-up whenthe Indian armed forces personnel ambushed their vehicle and killed six onthe spot.
Seven others died later, at least 11 others are battling injuries while twoare still missing, reports quoting union members said. Army officersclaimed that the troops opened fire at a truck, killing six people, afterreceiving intelligence about a movement of insurgents in the area.
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Following the incident, angry locals attacked the Indian forces and damagedtheir vehicles. Security forces also suffered injuries in the incident,including one soldier who succumbed after the attack.
Indian home minister and BJP leader Amit Shah has also expressedcondolences over the heinous killing and said the state government wouldinvestigate the matter.
Locals in the Indian remote region have frequently accused the Indian armedforces of targeting innocent civilians in their operations against rebels.
