The Naga Journalists Union Manipur (NJUM) has released a fact-finding report on the incident where Hornbill TV journalist Dip Saikia was “reportedly hit by pellets from an airgun.”
According to NJUM, “the shooter has been identified as Reiveinii Ramai (26 years), s/o Dale of Phuba Khuman village, presently residing at Council, Senapati.”
NJUM stated that “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.” It added that “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 these concerns 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 team also “spoke with Ramai who was in police custody and Saikia who was undergoing treatment at Guwahati on the phone.”
The report noted that “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.”
It further stated that “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.”
NJUM added that “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.”
At the same time, NJUM clarified that “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,” NJUM said it “beseeches a fair and just investigation to bring all the responsible person(s) to book.”
The report was signed by Vangamla Salle KS, Secretary, NJUM.
