By Zarir Hussain

GUWAHATI (India) – Indian forces mistakenly opened fire on the northeastern state Nagaland killing at least 14 civilian tribal members and one security officer, according to government and military officials.

Amit Shah, Indian Home Minister, said that he was upset by the death of innocent civilians in Saturday’s incident.

Reuters was told by Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland’s chief Minister, that an investigation would be launched and those found guilty will face punishment. He attributed the incident to intelligence failure.

According to a New Delhi-based official of federal defense ministry, at least 12 civilians were hurt in the attack.

Nagaland residents have accused the forces of targeting innocent civilians during counterinsurgency operations against rebel factions.

An official from Nagaland said that the incident happened in Oting village, Mon district. This was during counterinsurgency operations by Assam Rifles.

When a truck carrying more than 30 workers from coal mines passed the Assam Rifles camp, Firing was initiated.

The senior police officer told Reuters that troopers were aware of a militant movement and, upon seeing the truck, mistook six miners for rebels. They opened fire and killed six workers.

After the fire alarm went out in the village, many tribal members surrounded the camp. “They set fire to Assam Rifles vehicles, and clashed against the troopers with crude weapons,” he stated.

The Assam Rifles responded and eight civilians were killed in the second attack, according to the official.

India tried in recent years to convince Myanmar to expel rebels from its bases within the dense jungles bordering Nagaland and Manipur.