Nagaland Police said 30 army soldiers were charged for killing six tribal laborers who were mistaken by the soldiers as militants. The incident took place during an anti-insurgency operation in December 2021.
Nagaland Police Chief T.J. Longkumer told reporters that the army officials had resorted to “disproportionate firing”.
In his engagement with the media, he said, “Investigations revealed that the operation team had not followed the standard operating procedure and the rules of engagement”.
This police probe was launched when the 13 members of the Konyak tribe and one security trooper were killed in December 2021.
After which the soldiers stationed in the border state mistook the civilians for militants entering India from Myanmar and opened fire on them.
Seven other tribal people were also gunned down when the local villagers discovered the bullet-riddled bodies of the six men in an army truck clashed with the soldiers.
Longkumer said, “The sanction for prosecution is still awaited” adding that the charge sheet has been filed to prosecute 30 army personnel accused of the incident.
Indian Army spokesperson was not available for comment. Although, an Indian Defence Ministry official said the case is placed in Indian Courts for the final order.
Is AFSPA still applicable in Nagaland?
In 2015, the Indian Government removed the AFSPA entirely from states like Tripura and Meghalaya.
And partially from states and UTs like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland. The district Mon where this incident took place is still under the Act.
To NDTV talked to a parent whose son was killed and said that the soldiers “were at fault” adding “But now the big question is will they be punished?”
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