Hornbill TV reporter Dip Saikia was injured by a stray bullet from an air gun while covering the Zinnia Flower Festival in Laii Village, Senapati. Police have filed an FIR.
BY PC Bureau
August 31, 2025: Questions are emerging over whether the shooting of Hornbill TV reporter Dip Saikia on Saturday evening in the Naga-majority Senapati district was accidental or deliberate. Saikia was struck by a stray bullet from an air gun while covering the Zinnia Flower Festival at Laii Village, sustaining injuries to his armpit and leg.
The attack comes in the backdrop of his public criticism by Nagaland Deputy CM Y. Patton for interviewing former BJP spokesperson M. Kikon, who recently walked out of the party.
Saikia received first aid at Laii PHC and is now out of danger. Police have arrested an individual carrying the air gun, who admitted to firing but claimed he was aiming at birds and that the bullets may have struck Saikia by mistake.
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Observers have questioned the plausibility of mistaking a person for a bird at such a distance, calling the explanation unusual. Some believe it may have been an attempt to intimidate Saikia into keeping quiet. Similar attacks on journalists have occurred in Manipur in the past. However, the accused maintained that foggy conditions reduced visibility, and he could not see Saikia from where he was standing. The police are investigating the case and have lodged an FIR at Tungjoy Police Station.
Deeply shocked and outraged to learn that Hornbill TV journalist Deep Saikia was shot twice while on assignment in Manipur’s Senapati district. Thankfully he is out of danger, and police claim to have nabbed the suspected attacker.
This incident is not just an attack on an… pic.twitter.com/CzGq7dMpt2— Afrida Hussain (@afridahussai) August 30, 2025
Condemnation from Media Outlets
Hornbill TV strongly condemned the incident and called for a swift, impartial investigation. In a statement, the network emphasized the importance of protecting press freedom:
“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 not only an assault on his person but also a direct attack on press freedom and the democratic values we uphold.”
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The network expressed solidarity with Saikia and his family, wishing him a full recovery, and urged the governments of Nagaland and Manipur, along with law enforcement agencies, to ensure that the assailant and any accomplices are held accountable.
The Mokokchung Times of Nagaland also voiced deep shock over the incident, reiterating that attacks on journalists threaten press freedom:
“We stand in solidarity with Saikia, his family, and the Hornbill TV team, calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice. We pray for his speedy recovery and urge authorities to ensure that justice is served promptly. Such incidents highlight the growing risks faced by journalists in the region, and we urge the state, civil society, and citizens to work together to protect press freedom.”
