The killing of an innocent civilian in a deadly encounter between security forces and NSCN (IM) operatives in Tirap district on Sunday shows how the people of Tirap, Changlang and Longding continue to get caught up in the battle between the militants and the armed forces. Another citizen was seriously injured in the gunfire. The killing has caused deep anger and immediately protest was launched against NSCN groups by the citizens. Both militants and security forces always harass innocent citizens. The militants force the local villagers to aid them.
If the villagers refuse to provide help, they are tortured and sometimes killed by the militants. Left with no choice, they are often forced to extend cooperation to the militants. On the other hand, security forces also pressurise villagers to help them and take strong action if anyone is found extending help to the militants. In this battle, the villagers suffer from both sides. In this particular incident, the security forces were readying to ambush when NSCN (IM) operatives and civilians were marching towards the Changlang boundary. Most probably the villagers were forced to escort the militants. The security forces had prior intelligence reports and therefore should have planned the operation in a manner to avoid any civilian casualties. There has to be proper inquiry and action should be initiated if there have been lapses while executing the ambush.