NSO condemns drone attacks on Naga civilians in Myanmar

DIMAPUR, OCT 4 (NPN): Naga Students’ Organization (NSO) has strongly condemned the
alleged drone attack by Indian armed forces on civilians at Langkho village in Lahe Township, Myanmar-occupied Nagaland, on October 3, saying such cross-border military action raised serious concerns over civilian safety, territorial integrity and international law.
According to NSO, the attack took place at around 1 a.m., with two drones dropping four bombs on a residential house in the middle of the village. Two bombs reportedly exploded, injuring two civilians, including a nine-year-old Grade 5 schoolgirl and an adult male, while two unexploded bombs remained buried at the site.
The organisation said the affected house was occupied by six civilians, none of whom were armed or involved in any armed activity. It expressed concern that the unexploded bombs continued to pose an immediate threat to residents, particularly children, as no qualified personnel were reportedly available to safely locate and defuse them.
NSO said military action across an international border and attacks that put unarmed civilians at risk must be subject to strict scrutiny and accountability. It stressed that civilians must not be deliberately targeted or exposed to unnecessary danger, particularly during military operations.
It called on the Government of India to immediately and transparently investigate the reported incident and hold those responsible for any unlawful conduct accountable in accordance with applicable law and international obligations.
It also urged the armed forces to exercise restraint and ensure that military operations did not endanger civilian communities across the border.
NSO further called upon the Myanmar government to protect civilians, investigate reported violations and raise such incidents through appropriate national, diplomatic and international channels.
It urged the United Nations, international human rights organisations, humanitarian agencies and other relevant bodies to take note of the reported attacks and support an independent, impartial and transparent investigation.
NSO condemned violence against unarmed civilians, particularly children and elderly persons, and said such conduct was unacceptable.
It called for justice, accountability and protection for the victims, while urging all Naga people to remain united and peaceful in facing the continuing challenges.
NSO expressed solidarity with the injured civilians and their families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, particularly the young student. It urged all concerned authorities to prioritise civilian protection, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold international law and take measures to prevent further attacks on civilian communities.