Tension gripped Nagaland on Sunday 13 civilians – all coal miners were killed in a case of “mistaken identity” as a counter-insurgency operation went amiss in Tiru village of Mon district. Reportedly a jawan was also killed in the incident.
The personnel, said to be para commandos, reportedly mistook the victims as militants and ambushed them, sources said. The incident took place on Saturday evening, December 4, 2021, when the victims were returning home from a coal mine in a pick-up truck. They were daily wagers at the coal mine.
In an official statement, the Indian Army said- “Based on credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents, a specific operation was planned to be conducted in the area of Tiru, Mon District, Nagaland. The incident and its aftermath is deeply regretted. The cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per the course of law. The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries.”
