Imphal: A reporter of Nagaland-based HornbillTV sustained bullet injuries after being attacked by armed miscreants while covering the ‘Zinnia Flower Festival’ or ‘Cherry Blossom Festival’ in Manipur’s Senapati district on Saturday evening.
The injured journalist was Dip Saikia, who was on assignment at Laii village when the incident occurred. Unknown assailants allegedly opened fire, hitting him in the right leg and under the armpit.
Saikia was immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital in Senapati for first aid before being shifted to Nagaland for further treatment.
Senapati district hospital authorities said he was now out of danger.
Manipur Police said a case has been registered at the concerned police station, and a pressurised air rifle suspected to have been used in the attack was recovered from the site.
“Police has identified the culprit and a team is on its way to arrest the alleged culprits. The reason for committing the crime is yet to be ascertained,” a senior officer from Senapati district police said.
The HornbillTV, described the attack as “shocking and reprehensible.” “The assault was not only on Saikia but also a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values.”
“Journalists serve as the eyes and ears of the public, often risking their lives to bring truth to light. The shooting of Mr. Saikia while he was covering a cultural event is an assault on his person and also on the democratic values we uphold.”
The HornbillTV urged the governments of Nagaland and Manipur, along with law enforcement agencies, to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation to do justice.
It also expressed solidarity with Saikia’s family and prayed for his speedy recovery. It reiterated that violence has no place in a democratic society.
