New Delhi, Dec 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday termed the civilian killing by security forces in Nagaland a “case of mistaken identity”. A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed with direction to submit its report on the unfortunate incident within one month, he added.

 “Based on inputs received by the Indian Army about the movement of the insurgents near Tiru village in Tizit area of Mon district, a team of 21 para-commandos of Indian Army laid an ambush in the evening of December 4,” said Shah.

 “A vehicle approached the location during the ambush and it was signalled to stop. However, the vehicle tried to flee, following which vehicle suspected of carrying insurgents, was fired upon resulting in the killing of six out of eight persons travelling in the vehicle”, the Minister said.

“However, it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. The two persons who sustained injuries were evacuated to the medical facilities by the Army personnel,” said the Union Home Minister.

Upon receiving the news, Shah said, “local villagers surrounded the Army team, burnt two vehicles and assaulted them resulting in the death of one Security Force personnel and injuries to several others”. To disperse the crowd, Shah said “security forces opened fire which resulted in the killing of seven more civilians and injuring some others”.

“The local administration and Police have tried to diffuse the situation, which remains tense but under control.” Nagaland Director General of Police and, Commissioner visited the spot on Sunday and an FIR was registered regarding the incident in Tizit Police Station, said the Union Minister.

Considering the complexity of the case, Shah said, “it has been transferred to the State Crime Police Station (SCPS) and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted and directed to complete the investigation within one month”.