Two civilians, including a nine-year-old schoolgirl, were reportedly injured in a drone attack at Langkho village in Lahe Township, Myanmar-occupied Nagaland, in the early hours of October 3, according to statements issued by the NSCN/GPRN (YA) and the Naga Students’ Organisation.
The Naga Students’ Organisation said the attack took place at around 1 a.m., alleging that two drones dropped four bombs on a residential house located in the middle of the village. It said two bombs exploded while two others failed to detonate and remained buried at the site, posing an immediate danger to residents.
According to the organisation, the affected house was occupied by six civilians and none of them were armed or involved in any armed activity. It said the two injured persons included a nine-year-old Grade 5 schoolgirl and an adult male.
The NSCN/GPRN (YA), in a statement issued on October 3 through its Ministry of Information and Publicity, also alleged that the Indian armed forces carried out the drone attack on Langkho village, describing it as an “indiscriminate” attack on the civilian population.
The group said the attack severely injured two civilians, including a nine-year-old girl, and accused the Indian military of targeting non-combatants. It described the incident as an escalation of what it termed Indian military brutality and alleged that civilians were being punished in retaliation for armed conflict.
The NSCN/GPRN (YA) called upon the United Nations and international monitoring bodies to condemn the alleged attack and take action. It also accused unnamed Naga groups and individuals of providing intelligence and logistical support to Indian agencies, warning that those it said were involved would be held accountable.
The Naga Students’ Organisation, meanwhile, described the reported attack as a matter of concern involving civilian protection, territorial integrity and state sovereignty.
It argued that any military operation by the armed forces of one state within the territory of another raises questions under international law. Referring to Articles 2(1) and 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, the organisation said the sovereign equality of states and the prohibition on the threat or use of force against another state’s territorial integrity must be respected.
It further referred to international humanitarian law, saying armed forces are required to distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. It said the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution were fundamental to the protection of civilians during armed conflict.
“Civilians, particularly children and elderly persons, must never be deliberately targeted or placed at unnecessary risk,” the organisation said.
The organisation called upon the Government of India to immediately and transparently investigate the reported incident and ensure accountability for any unlawful conduct. It also urged the Indian armed forces to exercise restraint and ensure that military operations do not endanger civilian communities across an international border.
It appealed to the Government of Myanmar to investigate reports of attacks against civilians within its territory, protect affected communities and raise such incidents through appropriate national, diplomatic and international channels.
The Naga Students’ Organisation also called on the United Nations, international human rights organisations, humanitarian agencies and other relevant international bodies to take note of the reported attacks and support what it described as an independent, impartial and transparent investigation.
The organisation said the reported presence of unexploded bombs added to the danger facing the village, particularly children and other civilians living nearby. It said there was currently no qualified personnel available to safely locate, remove or defuse the unexploded ordnance.
Both organisations expressed solidarity with the injured civilians and their families.
The Naga Students’ Organisation also appealed to the Naga public to remain united and peaceful, saying civilian communities facing insecurity and uncertainty were particularly vulnerable to division. It urged authorities to prioritise civilian protection, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold international law and take measures to prevent further attacks on civilian communities.