A Hornbill TV reporter, Dip Saikia, was reportedly shot while covering a flower festival at Laii village under Senapati district, Manipur on Saturday.
According to Hornbill TV, Saikia sustained bullet injuries on his armpit and leg. The assailant was reportedly apprehended by villagers and an FIR registered.
As per reports, the accused claimed to have accidentally shot the reporter while hunting birds.
Condemnations
Media houses and a political party have expressed strong condemnation against the shooting incident.
Hornbill TV, in a condemnation note, termed the incident a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values. Editor Hornbill TV, Dzuvhono Mekro said such attacks on media persons cannot and must not be tolerated in a society that values justice, transparency, and accountability.
HornbillTV said it was also deeply concerned by the growing hostility faced by journalists in the region, who are often subjected to intimidation, harassment, or violence while carrying out their professional duties.
It also said that the shooting at a journalist while on assignment was reprehensible and intolerable and called upon the governments of Nagaland and Manipur to ensure a thorough, impartial investigation and bring those involved to justice. Hornbill TV also extended solidarity to Saikia’s family and wished him a speedy recovery.
NPP: National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland unit expressed shock and anguish over the attack, terming it a heinous act against press freedom.
The party called upon the Manipur government and central authorities to ensure swift justice, while also appealing to citizens and organisations to unite against crimes targeting journalists.
NPP also extended its heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the victim’s family, colleagues, and the journalist fraternity, stating that it stood in solidarity with them during this difficult time.
MT: Mokokchung Times, in its statement, said the attack was not only a crime against an individual but also an assault on press freedom and democracy. It said that such incidents were deeply disturbing and highlighted the growing risks faced by journalists.