SC dismisses criminal proceedings against Army personnel

They were allegedly involved in killing of 13 civilians

The incident had taken place in Nagaland

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed criminal proceedings against Army personnel involved in the 2021 killing of 13 civilians during an operation in Nagaland’s Mon district. The court, while closing the First Information Reports (FIRs), clarified that the proceedings could resume if a sanction for prosecution is granted.

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“The proceedings in the impugned FIRs shall stand closed. However, if sanction is granted, it may be taken to its logical conclusion. On disciplinary action, we have said the Armed Forces can do the needful,” the bench stated.

The incident occurred on December 4, 2021, when an Army unit opened fire on a truck carrying coal miners in Oting village, mistaking them for militants. Six civilians were killed in the firing. In the violence that followed, security forces allegedly opened fire again, killing seven more civilians.

The killings triggered widespread protests in the region, with calls for justice and demands to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). The Army claimed the killings were a case of “mistaken identity” during a counter-insurgency operation.

The Supreme Court’s decision is seen as a significant moment in the ongoing debate over AFSPA and the immunity granted to armed forces in conflict zones.