Not ‘final verdict’ but a means to verify story, clarifies Naga Journalists' Union Manipur
Dimapur, September 7 (MExN): The Naga Journalists' Union Manipur (NJUM) today released the report of its ‘fact-finding team’ constituted to investigate the incident where a journalist from Hornbill TV, Dip Saikia, was reportedly hit by pellets from an airgun on August 30.
The shooter has been identified as Reiveinii Ramai of Phuba Khuman village, currently residing at Council, Senapati, and has been detained by the police, it stated.
According to the NJUM, the urgency to ‘verify the story arose’ from numerous contents flooding social media in addition to news agencies, some taking on a political or ethnic tone.
However, the Union insisted that the paramount concern was the frequent harassment and attacks on individuals associated with the fourth estate, while also acknowledging the responsibility of journalists to tell the true story.
Taking these factors into account, a three-member NJUM fact-finding team was formed to look into the incident, informed a statement from the Union received here.
The team visited Laii under Tungjoy Police Station, Senapati District, met with the police and village leaders of Laii, and also visited the site where Saikia was shot. The team also spoke with Ramai, who was in police custody, and Saikia, who was undergoing treatment in Guwahati, over the phone.
Based on these actions, the NJUM fact-finding team presented the report, which, among other things, noted that Ramai was “unaware” of the presence of Saikia or anyone while shooting the airgun, and the incident happened during “rainy and foggy weather conditions.”
The villagers also learnt about the incident when journalist was brought to the Laii Primary Health Centre for first aid, it said.
According to the NJUM team, Ramai had voluntarily gone to the Laii PHC upon learning of Saikia being shot and “apologised 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, it added.
An FIR (FIR No. 02(08)2025, Tungjoy PS) under Sections 109/117 of BNS and 25(1C) of the Arms Act was filed at Tungjoy Police Station on August 31, the team noted, while acknowledging the “prompt action” of Senapati Police in detaining the accused.
Meanwhile, the NJUM clarified that the ‘fact-finding report’ is by no means the final verdict but was undertaken as a “means to verify the story.”
“The NJUM is aware that the investigation is still ongoing and is willing to co-operate with anybody who wishes to further verify the incident,” it added.
In this connection, while condemning the blatant use of devices/weapons in public areas that has the potential to cause extensive harm, even to the extent of causing death, the NJUM urged a “fair and just investigation to bring all the responsible person(s) to book.”
