Nagaland killings: SIT begins probe, Gogoi demands CBI inquiry

Kohima/Guwahati: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe killing of nine persons in Nagaland, began its probe on Sunday, with police still to establish identity of eight victims.

The nine highly decomposed bodies of the victims were found blindfolded with hands tied and shot from close range in a gorge in Dimapur. The bodies were discovered stacked atop each other at Pachaspura on Friday.

In its first meeting during the day, the SIT discussed among other issues, the process of investigation and motive for the murder, said Watichuchang Jamir, additional SP of Dimapur and a member of the SIT.

One of the nine victims had been identified as the secretary of Karbi Students’ Association Bokajan Branch, Harlongbi Ingti, on Saturday.

Jamir said he was hopeful that identities of the other victims would be established by Sunday evening.

Dimapur SP V.Z. Angami had on Saturday said that the corpses were covered with a polythene sheet over which some boulders were placed. It was suspected that the victims might have been killed over a week ago as the bodies were decomposed beyond recognition.

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday ordered constitution of the SIT and a high power enquiry committee to inquire into the murder, his secretary L. Kire said in a release. Rio also appealed to the people to remain calm and maintain peace and extend assistance to the investigating agencies.

The chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir said in a notification that a High Power Enquiry Committee (HPEC) headed by secretary to justice and law department, K.N. Chishi with joint secretary (home) T. Roy and DC, commissioner’s office Vikiye Kenye as members was constituted to probe the matter.

The government has directed the HPEC to inquire into the incident and suggest remedial measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur, he said.

Meanwhile, Assam CM Tarun Gogoi said he wanted a CBI inquiry into the Nagaland killings. “We want a CBI inquiry and will soon talk with the Centre to take necessary action in this regard,” Gogoi said in a statement in Guwahati. The killing is a matter of grave concern, he said.

Gogoi spoke to his Nagaland counterpart Neiphu Rio on Sunday who assured him that an inquiry has been already ordered into the killings and investigations were on.

Rio also assured Gogoi that all possible help and cooperation would be extended to Assam in finding those involved in the killings, the statement added.