Several media organisations including NPCC have expressed condemnation over the alleged shooting on Hornbill TV journalist Dip Saikia in a village in Senapati Manipur.
KPC: Kohima Press Club (KPC) has expressed deep concern over the incident at Laii village and denounced the incident that left a fellow journalist injured and extended solidarity and prayers for his speedy recovery. While reports have suggested that the incident may have been accidental, KPC urged the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of every citizen. The press body also reiterated its appeal for a conducive environment to be provided for journalists to work in without fear or insecurity.
DPC: Dimapur Press Club (DPC), while mentioning that the initial reports suggested a possible deliberate attack, it, however, noted that subsequent clarifications from different quarters indicated the shooting was unintentional.
However, DPC stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident remained troubling, raising questions 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 outsiders from possessing hunting arms.
DPC underscored that the safety of journalists, whether in conflict zones or cultural gatherings, must be ensured at all times. It said that any environment where reporters are made vulnerable- be it through negligence, oversight, or direct hostility- poses a serious challenge to press freedom.
The press body urged the concerned authorities, including the Laii Village Council, Senapati district administration and law enforcement agencies, to provide a transparent account of the incident and ensure that due responsibility was taken. While wishing Saikia a swift and full recovery, DPC appealed to media colleagues and the wider public to refrain from politicizing the matter until all facts are established.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the incident.
In a statement through its communication department, NPCC said it was relieved to learn that Saikia’s condition was now stable and wished him a speedy and complete recovery. NPCC also conveyed solidarity with Saikia, his family, and the Hornbill TV team during this difficult time.
While initial reports indicated that the incident may have been accidental, NPCC urged 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.
NJUM sets up fact-finding team: Naga Journalists Union Manipur (NJUM) has condemned the incident in which Hornbill TV journalist, Dip Saikia, was reportedly injured by airgun pellets while on assignment at Laii village, Senapati district, Manipur on August 30.
To ascertain details of the incident, NJUM secretary Vangamla Salle KS said the union has constituted a fact-finding team comprising Samuel Pao (The People’s Chronicle/ISTV), Solomon Sha (The Hornbill) and Kibambe Felix (Times of Senapati).
NJUM has requested all concerned authorities and stakeholders to extend full cooperation to the team, which has been tasked to submit its report to the president of NJUM by September 3, 2025.
Meanwhile, NJUM expressed concern for Saikia’s recovery and extended wishes for his well-being.