Nagaland Journalist Shot in Manipur’s Senapati During Festival Coverage; Villagers Apprehend Attacker
Imphal, September 2, 2025 – A journalist from Assam working with Nagaland-based Hornbill TV, Deep Saikia, was shot and injured on Saturday evening, August 30, 2025, while covering the Zinnia Flower Festival in Laii village, located in Manipur’s Naga-majority Senapati district. The assailant, identified as Raiveinii Ramai from Phuba Khuman, was swiftly apprehended by local villagers and handed over to the police. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with Hornbill TV’s editor, Dzuthono Mekro, condemning the attack as a direct assault on press freedom and democratic values. The shooting has raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists in Northeast India, particularly in light of recent tensions involving Saikia and Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton.
Incident Details
The attack occurred around 4 p.m. in Laii village, approximately three kilometers from the Zinnia Flower Festival site, as Saikia and four colleagues were returning from their coverage. According to Saikia, who spoke to media from a hospital in Dimapur, Nagaland, the group had stopped briefly by the roadside when the assailant opened fire. Saikia was struck twice—first in his right leg and moments later in his right armpit. He was the only one targeted among the group, leading him to assert that the attack was “deliberate and not random.”
Saikia, a resident of Jorhat, Assam, sustained bullet injuries to his leg and under his armpit. He was immediately rushed to Senapati District Hospital for first aid before being transferred to a private hospital in Dimapur for advanced treatment. Hospital authorities have confirmed that Saikia is now out of danger, though at least one bullet remains lodged in his body, and he may be shifted to Guwahati for further medical care.
The attacker, Raiveinii Ramai, was apprehended by villagers at the scene along with a pressurized air rifle, an illegal firearm under Manipur’s regulations. Ramai, who is not a resident of Laii village but was visiting as a tourist, claimed he intended to shoot a bird and accidentally hit Saikia. However, authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, with Saikia’s assertion of a targeted assault prompting scrutiny. The suspect is in custody and scheduled to appear before a magistrate on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Context of Tensions
The shooting comes on the heels of a public confrontation between Saikia and Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, which occurred a week earlier at an event in Wokha district. Patton had berated Saikia over a report highlighting local complaints about administrative inaction in the disputed Rengma Reserve Forest, part of the ongoing Assam-Nagaland boundary conflict. In a widely circulated video, Patton was seen warning Saikia, stating, “I told some people to chase him away,” and criticizing his reporting in front of a crowd. This incident has fueled speculation about a possible connection to the shooting, though police have yet to establish a definitive motive.
Community and Official Response
The swift action of Laii village residents in apprehending the attacker has been widely praised. The Laii Village Authority Council issued a statement clarifying that the perpetrator was not a local resident and emphasized that the incident does not reflect the community’s spirit. The council expressed deep concern over the attack and extended solidarity to Saikia and his family.
Hornbill TV issued a strongly worded statement condemning the “shocking and reprehensible” attack. Editor Dzuthono Mekro stated, “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.” Mekro urged the governments of Nagaland and Manipur, along with law enforcement agencies, to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to bring the perpetrator and any accomplices to justice.
The Naga Journalists’ Union Manipur (NUJM) has formed a fact-finding committee to independently investigate the incident, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Media organizations, including the Press Club of India and the Manipur Digital Media Association, have condemned the attack, describing it as a “brazen assault on democratic values.” The National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland unit also expressed shock, terming the attack a “heinous act” and calling for swift justice.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom
The attack on Saikia has reignited concerns about the safety of journalists in Northeast India, a region marked by ethnic tensions, political instability, and insurgency-related challenges. Media workers in Manipur and Nagaland frequently face intimidation, harassment, and violence while carrying out their duties. The incident has prompted press unions and civil society groups to demand stronger legal protections for journalists. A public petition calling for enhanced safety measures has garnered over 25,000 digital signatures, and hashtags such as #ProtectPressNE and #JusticeForJournalist are trending on social media platforms.
Manipur’s state government has yet to issue a formal statement, a silence that has drawn criticism from political opposition leaders and media advocates. The incident underscores the precarious environment for journalists in the region, where they often operate under pressure from political, ethnic, and militant groups. Observers warn that such attacks risk fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship, undermining democratic accountability.
Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Justice
Manipur Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and recovered the air rifle suspected to have been used in the attack. A senior police officer stated, “Police have identified the culprit, and a team is on its way to arrest the suspect. The reason behind the attack is not known yet.” Authorities are exploring all possible angles, including whether the shooting was linked to Saikia’s prior reporting or the confrontation with Patton.
Saikia’s family, speaking from Naharkatiya, Assam, expressed concern for his well-being and called for justice. His mother told The Assam Tribune, “We are worried about his condition, but we trust the authorities will take strict action.” Hornbill TV has extended its full support to Saikia’s family and wished him a speedy recovery, reiterating that “violence has no place in a democratic society.”
Conclusion
The shooting of Deep Saikia in Manipur’s Senapati district has sent shockwaves through the media community and beyond, highlighting the dangers journalists face in volatile regions. The bravery of Laii villagers in apprehending the attacker and the swift response from media organizations reflect a collective resolve to protect press freedom. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust protections for journalists and a renewed commitment to upholding democratic values in Northeast India.
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