Nagaland Civilian Killings Updates: Situation remains tense; Curfew imposed

An order issued by the state home department signed by Chief Secretary J Alam stated that the Nagaland government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the firing incident that claimed the lives of 13 civilians and 1 soldier on Saturday, December 4, in the remote regions of the northeast, which borders Myanmar.

A curfew has been imposed in the Mon district after violence erupted in Nagaland's district over the reported killings in Oting village on Saturday. 

Following the Nagaland firing incident that claimed the lives of 13 civilians and 1 soldier, 2 more civilians have been reported dead during today's protest.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to Twitter to extend condolences to the bereaved families of civilians who were killed in the Nagaland fire incident, "Deeply pained by the unfortunate death of 13 civilians during counter-insurgency operations in Mon, Nagaland. I express my condolence to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of the injured. Hope the high-level SIT will bring out the truth & help ensure justice".

Nagaland Governor Jagdish Mukhi condemning the incident shared a tweet concerning the action taken on the same, "SIT shall investigate the incident from all angles. A court of inquiry has also been instituted against the army personnel involved. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families & wish a speedy recovery to the injured persons. In the meantime, I appeal to everyone to maintain peace".

Following the Nagaland fire incident, locals have set fire at the army camp. The army opens a blank fire to control the situation. 

According to official sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General M M Naravane have been briefed about the Nagaland fire incident that claimed the lives of 13 civilians and 1 soldier.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who was in Delhi earlier has now arrived at Kohima. He rushed to the state as in an unfortunate incident, at least 13 civilians were gunned down in an ambush by security forces in Nagaland's Mon district on Saturday evening. CM Rio will chair a high-level meeting soon. 

A high-level meeting chaired by Nagaland DGP is underway. The meeting is held concerning the fire incident that claimed the lives of 11 civilians. 

Nagaland firing incident: State Minister Paiwang Konyak is reaching the spot where the incident took place, to take stock of the situation.

Army on the killing of civilians in anti-insurgency operation in Nagaland's Mon district stated, "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 are 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." 

"Condolences to families of all those who lost their lives in Nagaland today. Amit Shah should be sacked All his peace accords with fringe groups were meant to deceive. 7 officers were killed by insurgents in Manipur in Nov. No peace in NE, only violence"

"Earlier Army's Assam Rifles became trigger happy and killed 7 Naga civilians in Mon Modi govt was willing to “share sovereignty” with separatists like NSCN(IM). And what is the result on the ground? Civilian deaths and killings of our soldiers," he added. 

"All of Shah's advisors for talks with NSCN IM had failed and now will have no chance of succeeding. The lives of 9 Army men in Kashmir were not avenged with any surgical strike, but playing cricket in Dubai immediately after."

"I will be giving an Adjournment motion tomorrow in Lok Sabha," Asaduddin Owaisi, President of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) said. 

"Worrisome news from #Nagaland. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured. We must ensure a thorough probe into the incident and ensure that all victims get justice!"

Sources informed that 14 dead bodies (inclusive of martyred army soldier) are currently at Civil Hospital, Mon and will proceed for the funeral, which is likely to be held at 2 pm. 

In the aftermath of the Nagaland civilian killings that took place on December 4, the internet services, SMS provision on cellular networks have been temporarily suspended across the Mon district. 

1 soldier of the Army's 3 Corps has succumbed to injuries in the firing incident.

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. The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by Army personnel, who were conducting an operation in the area after receiving intelligence inputs on the movement of militants of the Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K), officials of Assam Rifles said.

Notably, Mon shares a porous international border with Myanmar, where the Yung Aung faction of NSCN (K) is based. 

"The incident and its aftermath are 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," the Armed forces said in a statement. 

"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!," Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland Yanthungo Patton shared on Twitter. 

MLA Zeliang said, "I condemn in no uncertain terms the killings of innocents at Oting, Mon, there is no excuse for such massacre. An enquiry commission headed by a retired judge should be immediately set up and stringent action taken up against the security personnel involved. Such brutality, especially from security forces, in a civilised society where we all yearn for peace and tranquility is most unfortunate. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the 13 souls lost. And wishing a speedy recovery to those injured."

"Deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of lives at the firing incident in Nagaland’s Oting. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for speedy recovery of those injured and peace to be restored,' CM Conrad shared on Twitter

Sources have informed that CM Rio has rushed from the national capital to head back to his home state. He is likely to hold an emergency meeting with the state Cabinet. 

Generally regarded as the 'festival of festivals', the Hornbill fest is organised by the Nagaland government between December 1 and 10. The festival is held to encourage inter-tribal interaction as the state is home to several tribes. 

In view of the recent mishap wherein, innocent lives were lost, the Hornbill Festival has been called off by distinct tribes. 

"This is heart-wrenching. GOI must give a real reply. What exactly is the home ministry doing when neither civilians nor security personnel is safe in our own land?"

Nagaland cabinet meeting to convene shortly over the killing of civilians in a firing incident by security forces in Mon district. Sources have informed that a  joint Army-Police briefing is likely as well.

CM Neiphiu Rio appeals for calm; assures high-level SIT probe & justice in the Nagaland civilian killings. 

Taking to Twitter, the Nagaland CM had shared, "The unfortunate incident leading to the killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families & speedy recovery of those injured. High-level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections."

"It is very unfortunate because innocents have been killed; it may have been wrong information given to the security forces, but they should have checked," Tokheho Yepthomi, Lok Sabha MP, Nagaland, says he will raise the matter in Parliament.

Anguished by the killings of innocent civilians by security forces in Mon, the people of Nagaland have abstained from celebrating Hornbill Festival 2021 and hoisted black flags on the occasion. Villagers in Oting also closed down the Konyak Morung at Kisama in solidarity with the victims of the firing incident. The people have demanded immediate revocation of AFSPA law (1958) which grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in "disturbed areas". 

As further details are awaited, the Chief Minister has assured justice in the incident. According to sources, the victims were daily wage labourers who were commuting from a coal mine in a light commercial vehicle. 

Sources reporting live from Mon district stated that an official confirmation on the number of casualties and lives lost will be released soon. Further, authorities have said that the situation in the region is 'peaceful' and 'under control'. 

Internet services have been suspended in Nagaland's Mon in light of the unrest in the district following the killings of at least 11 civilians in an ambush by security forces.  

Indian Army has ordered a court inquiry into the killing of 11 civilians during an anti-insurgency operation in Mon. Assam Rifles officials said a specific operation was planned in the Tiru area of Mon District based on credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents. "Cause of loss of lives being probed by a Court of Inquiry at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken," they added. 

Sources informed that senior govt officials are headed to the location in Nagaland to take stock of the situation. Sources claim the loss of 11 civilian lives and one casualty on the security forces side. No official confirmation on numbers so far as the situation continues to be tense. 

"More than 35,000 personnel of Police Force, Border Security Force and CAPF across the country have sacrificed their lives at different places. BSF is the leader in this. I pay homage on behalf of the Prime Minister and the nation to all the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice."

"It is a moment of great pride as over 50% of the eligible population are now fully vaccinated," says Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
 

A massive fire broke out in the main market area of Village Fatehgarh, Baramulla on the night of 4-5 December at 11:10 PM. The fire soon engulfed large areas being densely built wooden shops and residential areas. Trees in the vicinity soon caught the fire extending the conflagration zone in the market.  Initially, local volunteers from the village tried to control the blaze but failed to contain followed by which help was sought from the Indian Army.  Responding to the break of fire, two teams of the army including one Quick Reaction Team rushed to the site.

"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 are 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."

Himachal Pradesh becomes the first Indian state to be fully vaccinated as 100% of eligible adults have received COVID-19 vaccine doses. 

The pilgrimage to Kerala's Sabarimala temple continued on Saturday, with over 42,354 visitors booking online to pay their respects. According to the Kerala government, 27840 pilgrims visited the temple on Friday, and 42,354 people had made reservations for Saturday's 'darshan.' Per the administration, police will permit pilgrims to access the temple after sanitisation and provide masks to those who require them.

From December 9 to the end of the Mandala-Makaravilakku (Makar Sankranti) festival, the virtual queue for Sabarimala's hill shrine is nearly full. According to the state administration, around 45,000 people per day will be able to have darshan, with 40,000 receiving it through a virtual queue system and 5,000 receiving it through spot booking. Sabarimala's Lord Ayyappa temple has opened for Mandala-Makaravilakku, which will last two months. Mandala pooja will be held at the temple until December 26.

India reports 8,895 new cases, 2796 deaths in the last 24 hours, an active caseload of 99,155. 2,426 reconciled deaths by Bihar adjusted in today's database. Also, Kerala clears a backlog of 263 deaths. Hence deaths showing a spike: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

"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."

Puducherry makes COVID-19 vaccination compulsory amid Omicron scare, people violating the rule will be penalised.

As per PIB, 11th Edition of Exercise EKUVERIN between India & Maldives will be conducted at Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives from 06 to 19 December 2021.

The exercise will enhance synergy & inter-operability between Armed Forces of both the Nations in terms of understanding transnational terrorism both on land & at sea, conducting Counter Terrorism & Counter Insurgency Operations and sharing best military practices and experiences.

Besides rigorous training, the joint military excercise will also include cultural and sports activities to enhance defence cooperation and bilateral relations. The exercise will go a long way in strengthening India’s relations with Maldives amidst emerging security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.

Moderate rain and thundershowers with one or two intense & heavy spells of rain likely to affect some parts of districts of Ganjam, Puri, Khorda, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack during the next three hours, as per Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar.

"The unfortunate incident leading to the killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. High-level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections," tweets Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio

Odisha's Puri witnesses moderate rainfall as cyclonic storm Jawad is likely to reach around noon today; 'Jawad' is likely to weaken further into a Depression, as per IMD

The sea at Digha has turned rough due to cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal.

"Deep Depression remnant of cyclonic storm Jawad to weaken further into a Depression, reach Odisha coast near Puri around noon today," says IMD.

Maharashtra government on Saturday challenged Param Bir Singh's Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court. The government 'denied each and every allegation, statement and averment' made by the suspended cop, pointing out that it was 'contrary to and inconsistent' with all the facts.

Param Bir Singh in the Special Leave Petition alleged that incumbent DGP Sanjay Pandey had offered him a deal to withdraw his complaint. He further alleged that he was 'forced to withdraw corruption charges' against former Maharashtra home minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh.

Maharashtra government, however, has made it clear that it had 'no knowledge' of the conversation between DGP Sanjay Pandey and Param Bir Singh. "In the event that any such conversations/communications took place, they are of a purely personal nature between the Petitioner (Param Bir Singh) and Respondent No. 3 (Sanjay Pandey) and have taken place without the knowledge, consent, or any kind of authorization from the Respondent No. 1 (Maharashtra government) and were not at the instance of Respondent No. 1 (Maharashtra government)," the government said.

Contrary to what is stated in the Special Leave Petition, the Maharashtra government has also denied that Param Bir is a whistleblower

Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay on Saturday thanked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India for providing 'much-needed assistance to the only Afghan school' in Delhi. According to the ambassador, there are 400 students in the Syed Jamaluddin Afghan School in Delhi's Bhogal who are receiving 'gift beyond all measures from the Government and people of India'. Reportedly, the school was facing uncertainty with a shortage of funds for Afghan refugees.

'Thank you India' captioned Farid Mamundzay to pictures of girl students attending classes in the school. 

Popular US anchor Chris Cuomo has been “terminated” by CNN after new revelations emerged that he helped his brother, ex-New York governor Andrew Cuomo, while he was battling sexual harassment allegations. In a statement, CNN said that the decision was taken after additional information had emerged over the extent of Chris Cuomo’s involvement in his older brother’s defence. The US media outlet also said that a “respected law firm” had been hired to investigate Chris’ efforts to help his politician brother fight allegations of sexual harassment. 

But while the review is in process, “new information has come to light” leading to the network terminating Chris Cuomo’s contract, “effectively immediately”. “Despite the termination, we will investigate as appropriate,” CNN said. 

According to the IMD report, "The Western Disturbance as a trough in mid & upper tropospheric westerlies with its axis at 5.8 km above mean sea level now runs roughly along with Long. 60°E to the north of Lat. 25°N".

In the subsequent days, isolated rainfall or snowfall is likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan & Muzaffarabad, and Arunachal Pradesh and. While isolated to scattered rainfall is likely to be experienced over south peninsular India and Lakshadweep Islands. The remaining parts of the country will experience dry weather.

According to IMD's 5-day precipitation forecast, there will be no significant change in minimum temperatures over northwest India during the next two days and fall by 2-4°C thereafter. There will be a fall in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over parts of Maharashtra during the next three days. In the next four to five days, no significant change in minimum temperatures is predicted in the remaining parts of the country.

Accusing the 'Left and Liberals' of creating a divide between communities in India, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that religion should not become a cause of bloodshed among people in the country. While addressing a book launch event in Guwahati, Sarma described religion as an academic activity to know oneself.

“Following a religion is an academic activity to know yourself and should not become a cause for blood-shed and activities against the country. Left and Liberals are responsible for bitterness between us (Hindus-Muslims). Congress amplified it for vote bank,” the CM said.

Sarma added that after independence, Left-liberals designed academic curricula of India in a way that 'produce rebels and cause divide between communities. They seek ways to eliminate the respect for State from the minds of people, he added.

"135 couples including three Muslims and one Christian couple would tie the knot today," said businessman Mahesh Sawani on Saturday.

US Geological Survey stated a magnitude 6 earthquake occured 259 km north of Tobelo in Indonesia

IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal on December 5. While heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places over south Assam & Meghalaya, Mizoram & Tripura, interior Tamilnadu, and Kerala & Mahe. In addition, heavy rainfall or snowfall is very likely at isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan & Muzaffarabad. 

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan & Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Tamilnadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, and Kerala & Mahe.

According to the IMD, gale winds with speeds reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph are likely to prevail over northwest & adjoining the west-central Bay of Bengal and along & off Odisha coast.

India has detected its fourth case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Maharashtra. A man, who returned from South Africa recently has tested positive for the new variant in Mumbai's Kalyan-Dombivali municipal area on Saturday. The man had travelled back to Mumbai from South Africa via Dubai and Delhi, news agency PTI reported. This is the first confirmed case of Omicron in Maharashtra. 

According to the State Health Department, the patient is a 33-year-old with a travel history to South Africa, the country which first alerted the world about the new variant. The man had arrived in Mumbai on November 24 from Capetown through Dubai and Delhi. He is said to be completely unvaccinated. The health department further informed that 12 of his high-risk contacts and 23 of the low-risk contacts had been traced and all tested negative for COVID-19. Additionally, 25 of his co-passengers from the Delhi-Mumbai flight have also been tested negative. 

Tamil Nadu government, on Friday, announced that all state held competitive exams would now have a compulsory paper in the Tamil language, and 40% requirement in the paper would be basic qualifying criteria for entry to Tamil Nadu government services and state-run public sector enterprises.

Announcing the order, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan said, "The exam will be qualifying in nature and it is mandatory for a student to secure at least 40% marks in this exam to get a government job in the state," Thiagarajan said.

"This new policy will help prevail social justice. The government school students will be given importance in the recruitment process," 

IMD predicts Cyclone Jawad will weaken further into a Depression by the morning of 5th Dec, reach Odisha coast near Puri around noon of the same day.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday addressed the Indian Ocean Conference 2021 in Abu Dhabi and underlined several pertinent geopolitical issues. From US polity to the rise of China, Jaishankar highlighted several issues on the global platform. The Indian External Affairs Minister is on a two-day visit to Abu Dhabi to attend the 5th Indian Ocean Conference on December 4 and 5. The theme of the Indian Ocean Conference 2021 is "Indian Ocean: Ecology, Economy, Epidemic".

Addressing the Conference, Dr Jaishankar emphasised the USA’s recent line of diplomacy and geopolitics and praised the Joe Biden-led government for being a ‘more active’ partner, beyond orthodox constructs. The Indian foreign minister also hailed the US for its involvement in issues related to the ‘Indian Ocean'.

"Overall, the US is moving towards greater realism both about itself and the world. It is adjusting to multipolarity and rebalancing and re-examining the balance between its domestic revival and commitments abroad. This makes it a more active partner beyond orthodox constructs, given how strong its influence is on the Indian Ocean, this cannot but have implications. We must also bear in mind the uniqueness of the US polity and its ability to re-invent itself," he said. 

The Union Minister also spoke on the emergence of ‘China’ at a global level and stressed the consequences of its growth, by highlighting its nature to dominate and bully others.

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, urged citizens to 'See the result, on December 6' when the bill for privatisation of public sector banks is going to be presented in the Parliament. In a tweet, Tikait said that he had said at the beginning of protests against three farm laws that the next 'number would be of banks'. Yesterday, farmer unions had announced to form a 5-member panel to re-open talks with the Centre on unresolved demands. 

The BKU leader also claimed that 'there is a need for a common movement across the country against privatisation'.