"The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries," the Army said. [Representative image]

At least 11 civilians were gunned down by security forces in Mon district of Nagaland, the Indian Army confirmed the incident while terming it as an unfortunate one on December 5.

The incident took place between Oting and Tiru villages when some daily-wage labourers were returning home in a pick-up van from a coal mine in the evening on December 4, the police said.

The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by the army personnel, who were conducting an operation in the area after receiving inputs on the movement of militants of Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K), an official said, adding that an investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

"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 Indian Army in its statement said.

"The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries," it added.

Nagaland Governor Jagdish Mukhi condemns the incident of firing on the villagers on the evening of 4th December at a point between Oting and Tiru village under Mon District. SIT shall investigate the incident from all angles, a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan reads

(File pic) pic.twitter.com/w3ZnD2tGI2
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2021

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said that the high-level SIT constituted by the State govt will thoroughly probe this incident to ensure justice to the bereaved families.

Anguished over an unfortunate incident in Nagaland’s Oting, Mon. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. A high-level SIT constituted by the State govt will thoroughly probe this incident to ensure justice to the bereaved families.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 5, 2021

Mon shares a porous international border with Myanmar, where the Yung Aung faction of NSCN (K) is based. The situation is under control and police are conducting spot verification, the police said.

The chief minister further appealed for peace from the people of all sections of the society. “Appeal for peace from all sections,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton promised that justice will be delivered.

"Oting's (Mon) disturbing and tragic incident in which civilians were killed will be thoroughly investigated and justice will be served. Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. In the wake of the tragedy, I urge peace from everyone!" he tweeted.

Earlier, Assam Rifles has denied its involvement in the incident.

Security forces gun down 11 civilians in Nagaland, Army calls it 'unfortunate'

The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by the army personnel, who were conducting an anti-insurgency operation in the area

"The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries," the Army said. [Representative image]

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