Nagaland government to probe death of students in firing between Assam Rifles and NSCN(K) militants

The Nagaland government will investigate the killing of two students in cross firing between Assam Rifles personnel and suspected NSCN(K) militants in Phek district on July 16.

"An Inquiry panel is being set up to go into details of the incident," Chief Minister T R Zeliang said while condoling their deaths.

In his message, Zeliang expressed his displeasure over the 'avoidable' incident and urged upon all concerned to desist from firing in public places to avoid innocent casualties.

The two students were killed in cross firing between Assam Rifles and suspected NSCN(K) militants at Phor village in Phek district on July 16 when the para-military personnel were bringing bodies of two NSCN(K) militants from an encounter spot at Avangkhu.

A group of villagers stopped the paramilitary convoy, and demanded that the body of one belonging to Phor village be handed over to them. During interaction between forces and villagers, suspected NSCN(K) militants fired which was retaliated by the Assam Rifles.

Meanwhile, on the direction of the Chief Minister, DGP Nagaland LL Doungel along with Commissioner, Nagaland, Sentiyanger Imchen and Home Commissioner Niehu C. Thur visited the spot at Phor to take stock of the situation, an official statement said.

They are expected to submit their report upon their return to Kohima. The State Government has handed over an ex-gratia of Rs one Lakh each to the family of the two deceased students, while 25 thousand rupees was handed over to the injured woman.

Officials said the villagers lodged a complaint with Meluri Police Station in connection with the firing.