The Naga Journalists Union Manipur (NJUM) has come out with their fact finding report on the alleged attack of a journalist from the Hornbill TV on 30 August 2025 at Laii Village, Senapati District, Manipur.
A statement issued by Secretary of NJUM, Vangamla Salle KS stated that “the NJUM fact-finding team was formed to ascertain the incident where a journalist from the Hornbill TV, Dip Saikia was reportedly hit by pellets from an airgun. The shooter has been identified as Reiveinii Ramai (26 years), s/o Dale of Phuba Khuman village, presently residing at Council, Senapati.
“The urgency to verify the story arose from numerous contents flooding the social media in addition to the news agencies, some to the extent of taking on a political or ethnic tone.
“But, most paramount to NJUM has been the frequent harassment and attacks of individuals associated with the fourth estate. NJUM is also aware of the responsibility a journalist is bound with—to tell the true story.
“Taking all these into account, a three member fact finding team was formed to verify the story. The team had gone to Laii under Tungjoy Police Station, Senapati District and had met the police, village leaders of Laii and also visited where Dip Saikia was shot.
“The fact-finding team also spoke with Ramai who was in police custody and Saikia who was undergoing treatment at Guwahati on the phone.
Based on the findings, NJUM would like to present the following points:
1. According to villagers, Mr.Ramai was unaware of the presence of Mr. Saikia or anyone while shooting the airgun and the incident happened during rainy and foggy weather conditions. The villagers only learned about the incident when Mr. Saikia was brought to the Laii Primary Health Centre for first aid.
2. Ramai had voluntarily gone to the Laii PHC when learnt of Saikia being shot and had apologized to Saikia in the presence of village authority council members and the village headman. He had also shown his willingness to assist while Saikia underwent treatment.
3. An FIR (FIR No. 02(08)2025, Tungjoy PS) under Section 109/117 of BNS and 25 (1C) of Arms Act was filed under Tungjoy Police Station on 31 August 2025.
The NJUM also acknowledges the prompt action of Senapati Police in detaining the accused.
The fact-finding report is by no means the final verdict but a means to verify the story. The NJUM is aware that the investigation is still going on and it is willing to co-operate with anybody who wishes to further verify the incident.
While condemning the blatant use of devices/weapons (in this case an airgun) in public areas that has the potential to cause extensive harm, even to the extent of causing death; the NJUM beseeches a fair and just investigation to bring all the responsible person(s) to book.
