
Dimapur, August 31 (MExN): Several media organisations and political groups in Nagaland have expressed “deep concern” over the injury of Hornbill TV reporter Dip Saikia in Laii Village under Senapati district, Manipur, on August 30.
The reporter was in the village covering the Zinnia Festival at Laii, and the incident occurred approximately 3 km south of the festival venue as per the village authority.
While noting that initial reports suggest the incident may have been accidental, they called for a thorough and transparent investigation and underscored the need for journalists’ safety.
Dimapur Press Club (DPC): In a statement, the Dimapur Press Club (DPC) expressed deep concern over the incident and urged a transparent investigation to ensure accountability.
“While initial reports suggested a possible deliberate attack, subsequent clarifications from different quarters indicate that the shooting was unintentional. Nevertheless, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain troubling,” the DPC noted.
Questions persist as to how a visitor was able to carry a weapon within the jurisdiction of a host village when customary law across Naga villages prohibits the possession of hunting arms by outsiders, it added. Accordingly, the DPC urged the concerned authorities, including the Laii Village Council, the Senapati District administration, and law enforcement, to provide a transparent account of the incident and ensure that due responsibility is taken.
It further underscored that the safety of journalists, whether in conflict zones or cultural gatherings, must be ensured at all times. Be it through “negligence, oversight, or direct hostility,” any environment where reporters are made vulnerable poses a serious challenge to press freedom, it asserted. At the same time, the DPC appealed to media colleagues and the general public to refrain from politicising the matter until all facts are established. The DPC also wished Saikia a swift and full recovery.
Kohima Press Club (KPC): Expressing deep concern, the Kohima Press Club (KPC) denounced the unfortunate incident that led to the injury of a fellow journalist.
“While the incident may have been accidental as suggested by reports, we nevertheless urge the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure the safety of every citizen,” the KPC added.
It also reiterated its appeal that journalists be provided a conducive working environment. The KPC extended its solidarity to the victim and offered prayers for his speedy recovery.
Ao Milen: The Mokokchung-based Ao Milen condemned the incident as a shocking “inhumane and barbaric attack” and regretted that a joyful occasion was overshadowed by an act of senseless violence. At a time when journalists strive to uphold truth in the face of challenges, it is deeply disturbing that their efforts are undermined by threats, intimidation, and violence—actions that strike at the very foundation of democracy, Ao Milen added in a statement issued by its Editor Akangnungsang Jamir.
Accordingly, it called upon the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and fairly, so that freedom of the press and democratic values are safeguarded. Failure to address such incidents only breeds fear and disorder in society, it cautioned. Ao Milen stands in solidarity with Saikia and the Hornbill TV fraternity and prayed for his speedy recovery.
Ao Milen also reaffirmed that violence has no place in a democratic society and urged all right-thinking individuals, organisations, and civil society to collectively denounce such acts and work towards preserving peace, justice, and freedom.
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC): The NPCC also condemned the unfortunate incident and demanded a swift and impartial investigation. “While initial reports indicate that the incident may have been accidental, we urge the governments of Manipur and Nagaland to ensure a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation to rule out any criminal intent and to uphold the safety of media professionals,” it added.
Expressing relief that the reporter’s condition is now stable, the NPCC wished him a speedy and complete recovery. “We stand in solidarity with Shri Saikia, his family, and the entire Hornbill TV team during this challenging time,” it added.