Paramilitaries in India have shot dead at least 14 civilians. That happened during an operation against rebels in the northeastern state of Nagaland, which borders Myanmar. A member of the paramilitary force was also killed.
The armed unit of the Assam Rifles carries out regular counter-attacks against rebels in that area. The shooting started when a truck with about 30 miners on board drove past the paramilitary camp.
“The troops received information about the presence of rebels in the area. When they saw the truck, they thought the miners were rebels and shot six of them,” a police spokesman told Reuters news agency.
Second confrontation
Hundreds of local residents went to the camp after the incident, the spokesperson said. Residents of Nagaland have long accused the armed forces of carrying out attacks on innocent civilians.
Local residents set fire to troop vehicles. The paramilitaries retaliated and in a second attack eight more civilians were killed. The paramilitary member was also killed in this attack.
Government takes it seriously
Home Affairs Minister Shah has reacted with horror to the news. “I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives,” he tweeted.
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