Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 30
A reporter of the Nagaland-based satellite news channel, Hornbill TV, was injured in an alleged airgun attack in Manipur. The reporter, Dip Saikia was in Laii village, Senapati district, covering a flower festival when the incident occurred.
Information about the incident remained vague, but as per reliable sources, the reporter sustained two pellet wounds— one in the armpit and another in the calf of the leg. His condition was said to be stable.
One person, suspected to be the shooter, reportedly turned himself in to the village council soon after the incident. Other sources however stated that the suspected individual gave himself up to the police. Reports varied as to the motive.
Media organisations condemn
Hornbill TV strongly condemned the attack on its reporter, Dip Saikia, who was shot on August 30 evening while on assignment in Laii village, Senapati district of Manipur.
In a statement issued by Editor Dzuthono Mekro, the channel termed the incident “shocking and reprehensible,” saying that the assault was not only on Saikia but also “a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values.”
Hornbill TV said journalists serve as the “eyes and ears of the public, often risking their lives to bring truth to light,” and expressed concern at the growing hostility faced by media professionals in the region, including intimidation, harassment and violence.
The channel urged the governments of Nagaland and Manipur, along with law enforcement agencies, to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. It demanded that the assailant and any accomplices be brought to justice to send a strong message against crimes targeting journalists.
Extending solidarity to Saikia’s family, Hornbill TV wished him a speedy recovery and reiterated that “violence has no place in a democratic society” and that safeguarding press freedom was the collective responsibility of the state, civil society and citizens.
Similarly, Mokokchung Times expressed shock and condemnation at the attack, describing it as not only a crime against an individual but also an assault on press freedom and democratic values. The publication highlighted the growing risks faced by journalists while performing professional duties and stood in solidarity with Saikia, his family, and colleagues at Hornbill TV. Mokokchung Times called upon the authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation so that justice is delivered without delay, stressing that violence against journalists has no place in a democratic society and that protecting press freedom is a responsibility shared by the state, civil society, and citizens alike.
