SIT probe into Oting killings almost complete, says Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Feb 28 (EMN): Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland Y Patton on Monday said that the probe into the Oting killing incident by the special investigation team (SIT) set up by the state government, is almost complete, pending a few documentation.

A total of 14 innocent villagers were killed, 13 in a botched ambush by the Indian security forces at Oting village in Mon district on December 4, 2021 and one during a protest in connection with the incident on the next day.

The state government constituted an SIT to probe into the incident, giving one month’s time to complete the investigation. The team had earlier updated the progress of the probe and stated that they were awaiting the forensic test result to complete the report.

Patton, who is also in-charge of Home, asserted that the law and order situation in the state has been largely peaceful, except for the ‘highly condemnable’ Oting incident.

“I assure that justice shall be delivered to the innocent lives lost, in that carnage,” he said while addressing the flagging off ceremony of new vehicles – Scorpio — for district Superintendent of Police (SPs) at the Conference Hall of Police Headquarters (PHQ) in Kohima.

He also urged the state police to fight the menace of drugs, contrabands and anti-social elements on a war footing to improve law and order situation in the state.

Maintaining that mobility and quick response to any situation is one of the key functions for the Police department, he said expressed hope that the new vehicles will help the police respond to any situation promptly and with alacrity.

Pointing out the recent major seizure of smuggled gold, approximately 48 kg, worth over INR 23 crore as per the prevailing market rate, he said it deserves appreciation and recognition. He also said the police have improved in detection of drugs, IMFL and contraband items, citing the seizure of drugs worth INR 5 crore by the Dimapur police.

He exuded hope that the special drive against drugs and other contraband items will continue under the leadership of DGP T John Longkumer for the well-being of society and younger generation.

‘Curb menace of extortion’

The Dy CM also said that special drive should be carried out against extortion more rigorously.

‘Nagaland Police needs to curb the menace of extortion and take stringent actions on a war footing,’ he said and added “vigil along the inter-state border is very important”.

He expressed satisfaction over the performance of the IRB personnel in the recently concluded Punjab election, who are presently deployed in Manipur for the state assembly election.

Patton lauded the constitution of the “DGP Commendation Disc”, saying that the initiative will encourage the police personnel to perform better. Towards this, he assured the government’s continued support.

He went on to say that the 11 new Mahindra Scorpio vehicles were for the SPs of the districts and procurement of similar facility for the newly created districts is in progress.

Earlier, the DGP highlighted various initiatives and achievements of the state police, adding that if any harm is done to policemen/women officers and jawans while discharging their duties, those responsible will be dealt with strictly.

The programme was chaired by Dy Inspector General of Police (HQ), Joseph Hesso and vote of thanks was proposed by Inspector General of Police (HQ), S Tokiumong Yimchunger.