TV Journalist Shot While Covering Flower Festival in Manipur

Incident Overview

A television journalist was shot while reporting on a flower festival in the Senapati district of Manipur, as confirmed by police on Sunday. The journalist, Deep Saikia, who works for Hornbill TV based in Nagaland, sustained gunshot wounds to his hands and legs.

Details of the Attack

The shooting occurred on Saturday evening in Lai village, a region predominantly inhabited by Nagas, where Saikia was covering the Jinya Flower Festival. Initially, he was transported to the district hospital in Senapati and later referred to Nagaland for advanced medical care.

Perpetrator Apprehended

Local residents managed to apprehend the shooter and handed him over to the police. The assailant was found to be armed with an air gun. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack on the journalist.

Reactions to the Incident

Just days prior, Nagaland's Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton, had criticized Saikia's reporting during a public event in Wokha district. The editor of Hornbill TV, Juthono Makro, condemned the attack, labeling it an assault on press freedom and democratic values. He urged both the governments of Nagaland and Manipur to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.