Killings in Nagaland : Daily Current Affairs

GS-3: Linkages between development and spread of extremism; Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; Security challenges and their management in border areas; Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

Key Phrases: Security operations, Separatism, Insurgency, NSCN (IM), NSCN (Khaplang-Yung Aung), Naga peace talks, Naga national political group, Konyaks, Assam Rifles, CAPFs.

Why in News?

At least 13 civilians were gunned down by security forces in Nagaland’s Mon district, police said on Sunday, adding that it is investigating whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity. One soldier also died in rioting which followed.

Keypoints:

As per the police, 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 on Saturday evening.
The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by 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).
- Nagaland’s Mon district borders Myanmar from where members of the NSCN (Khaplang-Yung Aung) are said to carry out hit-and-run operations.

Challenges Involved:

Reacting to the incident, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) announced the withdrawal of six tribes it represents from the annual Hornbill Festival ongoing at Kisama near Kohima.
The incident may have an impact on the Naga peace talks, the groups negotiating with the Centre may be under pressure to hold back to reflect public anger over the killing.
Konyaks, who forms the backbone of the NNPG, are imperative for a smooth resolution of the peace talks, as well as the post-talk peace process in the state.

The Konyak tribe, the last of the head-hunters, are the largest tribe in Nagaland, and number under 3 lakh.

Mon is the only district in Nagaland where separatist group NSCN (IM) has not been able to set up base camps, largely due to resistance from the Konyaks.

Immediate Steps taken:

Army while expressing deep regret has immediately ordered a Court of Inquiry.
Union Home Minister expressed his condolences to the victims’ families.
A high-level SIT constituted by the State govt will thoroughly probe this incident.

Naga National Political Groups (NNPG)

It comprises seven Nagaland-based insurgent groups i.e., the NSCN (Unification), NSCN (Reformation), NSCN (Khango), Naga National Council and two of its factions, and Federal Government of Nagaland.
Most of these groups have fought fratricidal battles with the NSCN (IM)
NSCN, formed in 1980, split into the Isak-Muivah and S.S. Khaplang factions eight years later.
NNPG has so far supported the peace talks process, rescinding many of its earlier demands such as separate flag.

Principal Secretary (Home), Nagaland informed that things were calmer now, and curfew has been imposed in Mon town.
Internet services remain suspended in the district since Saturday.

Way Forward:

Experts suggest that, in conflict zones, such violence, even though it has not happened for many years in Nagaland, is not a matter of great shock.
It will require rather deft handling from the Centre, beginning with quick and visible action against those responsible.

Source: Indian Express

Assam Rifles, which has the responsibility of the area where the incident occurred, issued a statement on Sunday expressing regret over the loss of innocent lives.

It is one of the six central armed police forces (CAPFs) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
It is the only paramilitary force with a dual control structure, with its operational control with the Indian Army, under the Ministry of Defence.
It is tasked with the maintenance of law and order in the North-East along with the Indian Army and also guards the Indo-Myanmar border in the region.

About Hornbill Festival

The tribes of Nagaland celebrate their festivals with much fervour and gaiety. Their festivals reflect their agricultural practices as agriculture being the main occupation of around 60 % of the state population.
Hornbill Festival is organized by State’s Tourism Department .It usually takes place between Dec 1 to Dec 10 of every year at Naga Heritage Village ,Kisama near Kohima. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich cultural heritage and display its traditions
The festival is named after hornbill , a globally respected bird which is displayed in the folklore of the state’s tribes

Prelims question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Assam Rifles: