SIT begins probe into murder of 9 in Nagaland

, Jan 5: The SIT constituted to

of nine persons, whose highly decomposed bodies were found blindfolded with hands tied and shot from close range in a gorge in

, began its probe on Sunday, with police still trying to establish the identities of eight victims.

In its first meeting during the day, the Special Investigation Team discussed among other issues, the process of investigation and motive for the murder, Additional SP of Dimapur and a member of the SIT, Watichuchang Jamir said. The bodies were discovered stacked atop each other at Pachaspura on Friday.

One of the nine victims had been identified as the secretary of Karbi Students' Association Bokajan Branch, Harlongbi Ingti yesterday, he said.

One of the nine victims had been identified.

Jamir said he was hopeful that the identities of the other victims would be established by this evening. Dimapur SP V Z Angami had yesterday said that the corpses were covered with a polythene sheet over which some boulders were placed and it was suspected that the victims might have been killed over a week ago as the bodies were decomposed beyond recognition.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio ordered constitution of the SIT and a High Power Enquiry Committee to inquire into the murder last night, chief minister's secretary L Kire said in a release. Rio also appealed to the people to remain calm and maintain peace and extend assistance to the investigating agencies.

Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir said in a notification that a High Power Enquiry Committee (HPEC) headed by Secretary to Justice and Law Department, K N Chishi with Joint Secretary (Home) T Roy and DC, Commissioner's Office Vikiye Kenye as members was constituted to probe the matter.

The government has directed the HPEC to inquire into the incident and suggest remedial measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur, he said.

PTI