Awaiting forensic lab results for final report on Mon killing incident, says Nagaland Chief Minister

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 12 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said that forensic laboratory results were awaited to finalise the report of the special investigation team (SIT) probing the Mon incident that killed 14 civilians by the security personnel on December 4 and the 5th, 2021.

The government of Nagaland had on December 5 constituted an SIT under the supervision of ADGP (Law and Order), Sandeep M Tamgadge to probe the incident and gave a month’s time to complete its investigation.

‘They (SIT) had done the process but had not put the calculation of the forensic laboratory result and we are awaiting that. Otherwise, everything is completed,’ Rio told journalists on the sideline of an event at Kiruphema.

He added that the forensic test is being done in a laboratory from outside the state, the result of which is yet to be out.

Sources earlier informed that the investigation team had submitted its preliminary report to the state government. However, it is awaiting reports from the Central Forensics Science Laboratory (CFSL) for the final report.

When ask if the SIT report will be made available in the public domain, Rio replied that he had to see whether that is “legally permissible”. “We have to explain to them because there is some norm,” he added.

The civil organisations had demanded the state government at the just concluded 70-km ‘March against AFSPA’ from Dimapur to Kohima to “table” the SIT report and make it available in the public domain.

The chief minister said that the demand of the public for removal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the state is very clear. The state cabinet too had taken its decision for repealing it and the Assembly had passed a resolution appealing the Centre to repeal it.

Citing his discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rio said though the system (AFSPA) would be in place, there will be “no army operation during this period”. Based on the recommendation by the committee, removal of AFSPA from the areas will be identified.

“But, repealing AFSPA is a long process in the Parliament Act and would take its own course. Otherwise, whenever the committee recommends that it can be removed, then the process will start,” he added.

On demand of suspension of jawans involved in the firing incident and compensation to the victims’ families, Rio said that he had communicated that with the Home Ministry and is awaiting its response.

He further informed that the Indian Army would “soon” submit its report on the Oting incident.

It may be mentioned that the Indian Army’s inquiry team had on December 29 visited Oting village, for investigation. 

On Shamator district demand

In regard to the Cabinet decision on engaging a ‘third party’ to discuss matters related to the Shamator district demand, Rio said that “one more consultation” will be held on Thursday before assigning the party. He added that the “ball is in their court”.