Journalists serve as the eyes and ears of the public, often risking their lives to report the truth
Digital Desk: A Nagaland-based television news reporter was gunned down by unidentified attackers while covering the 'Zinnia Flower Festival',also called the 'Cherry Blossom Festival', in Laii village in Manipur's Senapati district. The attack happened on Saturday afternoon at about 4 PM.
The reporter, named Dip Saikia, suffered gunshot wounds to his right leg and below his armpit as gun-wielding miscreants opened indiscriminate fire on the occasion. He was first taken to the Senapati District Hospital for initial treatment before being transferred to Nagaland. Officials from the hospital have confirmed that Saikia is out of danger now.
Manipur Police confirmed that a case has been registered, and a pressurized air gun, believed to have been used in the attack, was seized from the crime scene. According to a senior officer, the accused has been identified, and a team has been sent to arrest him. But the motive of the attack still cannot be ascertained.
The attack has evoked broad indignation. In a strongly worded statement, , the journalist’s channel described the attack as “shocking and reprehensible,” calling it not just an attack on Saikia, but a direct assault on press freedom and democratic values.
“Journalists serve as the eyes and ears of the public, often risking their lives to report the truth. The shooting of Mr. Saikia during a cultural celebration is both tragic and unacceptable,” the statement said.
The channel implored the governments of Manipur and Nagaland and the law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and punish the culprit. They also showed their support for Saikia's family and reiterated that violence has no space in a democracy.
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