2021 Mon Civilian Killings: SC Closes Case Against 30 Armymen, Says 'May Be Taken To Logical End If...'
Date
9/17/2024 6:25:51 AM
(MENAFN- Live Mint) Mon Killings 2021: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court concluded the criminal proceedings against 30 army personnel involved in a 2021 botched operation that resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians in Nagaland's Mon district.
The court's ruling stipulates that while the criminal proceedings are closed, the case could be revisited if the Centre grants permission for prosecution. Additionally, the order does not preclude the Army from undertaking any internal disciplinary measures against the involved personnel.
Also Read | Supreme Court notice to Centre on Nagaland's plea to prosecute 30 Army personnel
The decision came in response to two petitions filed by the wives of the accused, including a major, who sought dismissal of the criminal case initiated by the Nagaland police.
They argued that under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) , which grants immunity to military personnel operating in conflict zones, any legal action requires prior sanction from the Central government. The Central government had previously denied such sanction in April 2023.
Also Read | Centre extends AFSPA in Nagaland's 8 districts for 6 months
In a separate but related legal challenge, the Nagaland government has contested the denial of prosecution sanction , arguing that it possesses substantial evidence against the personnel. This petition has prompted a notice from a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
The state's contention is that the Centre's denial was arbitrary and not based on the evidence presented. In July 2022, the Supreme Court had temporarily halted the prosecution process, acknowledging the need for state approval to proceed with legal action against the Army personnel.
2021 Mon Killings in Nagaland
The Mon Killings dates back to 4 December 2021, when an Indian Army team allegedly fired at a pickup truck carrying miners in Oting village in Eastern Nagaland, mistaking them for militants, killing 6 civilians. The Indian Army had initially stated their action to be part of ambush operations on terror outfit in Nagaland.
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