Kundapur man killed in firing by French troops in Central African Republic

Kundapur man killed in firing by French troops in Central African Republic

Mangalore Today News Network

Kundapur, March 27, 2013  : A Kundapur man was among two Indians killed when  French soldiers opened fire  near the Bangui Airport area on March 26, Monday. Six others have reportedly sustained serious injuries in the incident.

The killed Kundapur man has been identified as Krishnaiah Mogaveera (37) hailing from Kattu in Hemmady village. Krishnaiah who worked for a pharma company since the past seven years, was on way to airport  to enquire if any flights to India were operational.

Reports said Krishaiah and others were unaware  of the shoot at sight orders issued  in view of the terrorist activities in the nation. It is said Krishnaiah  believed that a ceasefire had been declared. But,the French troops which were on security duty near the airport opened fire, misconstruing them as  terrorists.

It is said the six injured in the incident were also Indians. Back in Kundapur, Hemmady is mourning the death of Krishnaiah Mogaveera.  The tragedy has left the family of Krishnaiah shocked and the family is awaiting information about the measures taken to bring the mortal remains back to India.

The French Defense Ministry said the shooting at three vehicles trying to enter the airport happened “in a particularly confusing situation”, just as French troops had been fired upon “from an unknown source.

“These vehicles were transporting Chadian and Indian nationals. Despite warning shots fired by troops guarding the site, the vehicles kept going at high speed.

“Two Indian nationals died. French forces immediately took charge of the injured Indian and the Chadian, who were driven to an aid facility,” the statement noted.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has received a letter from French President Francois Hollande expressing regret for the tragic incident.

The Indian Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, who is concurrently accredited to the Central African Republic, is making necessary arrangements for the return of the mortal remains of the Indian nationals in accordance with the desires of their next of kin

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Hostilities in the CAR resumed last week after the Seleka accused former president Bozizé of breaking an earlier peace deal.