Army CoI team inspects Nagaland's ambush site; locals won't cooperate

Kohima/New Delhi, December 29

The Army’s Court of Inquiry (CoI) team, probing the killing of 14 civilians in Nagaland’s Mon district on December 4 in firing by security forces, today inspected the spot in Oting village but locals refused to cooperate with the team.

Representatives of Mon district’s civil and police administration accompanied the team. At least three security forces personnel involved in the firing incidents were also present at the spot. Six coal miners returning from work were killed in a botched ambush by the security forces, while seven others were gunned down when angry villagers later scuffled with them.

Sources said the families of those killed and members of the village council did not meet the CoI team following a decision by the Konyak Union, the apex body of tribals in Mon district, to not extend any cooperation to the Army. Konyak Union president Howing Konyak reiterated the non-cooperation with the Army would continue till justice was done. Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer (Defence), Kohima, Lt Col Sumit K Sharma said the CoI team, headed by a Major General, inspected the site to understand the circumstances which led to the incident.

“The Court of Inquiry is progressing expeditiously and all efforts are being made to conclude it at the earliest,” Army officials said.

The team also took along witnesses for a better understanding of how the events must have unfolded. Subsequently, the team visited Tizit police station in Mon district to meet a cross-section of people to obtain information pertaining to the incident.

The Army has again requested the public to provide any evidence at Tizit police station. Any input can be shared over phone, SMS or WhatsApp Messenger at +916033924571. The information can also be shared in person with the inquiry team at Dinjan Military Station in Assam. — PTI/TNS

Assurance of speedy probe

• The Court of Inquiry team, headed by a Major General, inspected the site on Wednesday
• All efforts are being made to conclude the probe at the earliest, said Army officials