The Supreme Court on Tuesday set aside criminal proceedings against the Army personnel implicated in the killing of 13 civilians during an operation in Nagaland's Mon district in 2021.

"The proceedings in the impugned FIRs shall stand closed. However, if sanction is granted, it may be taken to its logical conclusion. On disciplinary action, we have said the Armed Forces can do the needful," the Supreme Court said.

On December 4, 2021, an Army team allegedly fired at a truck carrying miners in Oting village in Nagaland, mistaking them for militants. Six civilians died in the incident.

Seven more civilians were killed after security forces allegedly opened fire after the incident triggered violence in the area.