Rahul Gandhi termed the death of 11 civilians who were gunned down by security forces in Nagaland’s Mon district as “heart-wrenching” and demanded a “real reply” from the Union government.

Taking to his Twitter, the Wayanad MP asked, “What exactly is the home ministry doing when neither civilians nor security personnel are safe in our own land?”

At least 11 people and a soldier were killed and 11 injured in an unfortunate incident of “mistaken identity” on Sunday.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio promised a high-level probe into the incident and appealed to all sections of the society to maintain peace.

“The unfortunate incident leading to the killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families and speedy recovery of those injured. High-level SIT will investigate and justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections,” he tweeted.

The incident took place between Oting and Tiru villages when some daily-wage labourers were returning home in a pick-up van from a coal mine on Saturday evening.

The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by Indian Army personnel, who were conducting an operation in the area after receiving inputs on the movement of militants of the Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K).

The Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

Official sources said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen M M Naravane have been briefed about the incident.

Issuing a statement Indian Army’s 3 Corps said that it had received credible inputs of likely movement of insurgents in the area after which a specific operation was planned to be conducted in the area of Tiru.

The incident and its aftermath are deeply regretted, it said adding that appropriate action will be taken as per the course of law.