CPI(M)  Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on December 6

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the botched operation by the army in Mon district of Nagaland that led to the killing of, at least, 17 civilians and one soldier.

The Polit Bureau conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and demands that adequate compensation be immediately announced by the central government.

The explanation given by the army that these ghastly killings happened due to an “intelligence failure” does not explain how such an ambush blunder occurred.  A thorough investigation must be speedily conducted and the guilty punished.

This incident, once again, underlines the need to remove the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the statute book.