A peaceful cultural festival in Senapati district, Manipur, turned violent on August 30, 2025, when a Nagaland journalist was shot while reporting on the event. The sudden attack shocked the audience and raised fresh alarms about the state of press freedom in Northeast India.
Thanks to the quick reaction of nearby villagers, the journalist escaped without injury. The shooter was caught on the spot and handed over to police.
Festival Chaos: Nagaland Journalist Shot in Manipur While Reporting
The journalist, assigned by a leading Nagaland-based TV channel, was filming traditional performances when the gunman approached. Without warning, the attacker fired a single shot from a locally made firearm. Although the bullet missed its mark, panic spread rapidly through the crowd.
Bystanders didn’t freeze. Instead, several villagers reacted immediately, overpowered the shooter, and restrained him until law enforcement arrived.
“He pulled a gun right in front of us. We didn’t have time to think—we just acted,” said a local vendor who helped subdue the attacker.
Media Groups Condemn Attack on Journalist
The editor-in-chief of the journalist’s network denounced the attack, calling it an act of intimidation against the free press.
“This wasn’t just an assault on our reporter—it was an attack on journalism in a volatile region,” he said.
Several media advocacy groups, including the Northeast Press Association (NEPA) and the Editors Guild of India, released joint statements condemning the act. They urged the Manipur government to ensure a fair investigation and increase security measures for media workers.
The Bigger Picture: Press Freedom at Risk in Manipur
This incident is part of a disturbing trend. Journalists operating in Northeast India—particularly in Manipur—face increasing threats, censorship, and violence. Armed conflict, ethnic tensions, and limited law enforcement capacity create an environment where journalists are especially vulnerable.
In many cases, reporters cover stories in areas where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is still in effect, making accountability difficult. Moreover, the lack of protective legislation for journalists only worsens the situation.
Who Was the Attacker?
Police have not yet released the name or background of the shooter. However, early reports suggest that the attacker may have links to a local extremist group. Authorities believe the shooting was premeditated.
A spokesperson from the Senapati police said,
“This wasn’t random. We’re treating the attack as targeted and serious. A special investigation team is on the case.”
State intelligence units have also been brought in to assist with the interrogation.
Local Villagers Applauded for Brave Response
While the attack was frightening, it also revealed the courage of the local community. Villagers sprang into action with no concern for their own safety. Their bravery not only saved the journalist but may have prevented a much larger tragedy.
A youth leader from Senapati shared:
“We were celebrating culture and peace. We stood up to defend both.”
This collective action from civilians reflects a growing public awareness about the importance of protecting truth-tellers and independent journalism.
Silence from State Leadership Draws Criticism
Manipur’s state government, as of this writing, has not issued a formal statement. That silence has sparked outrage from political opposition leaders, press unions, and civil society groups.
A public petition demanding urgent legal protections for journalists has gained over 25,000 digital signatures. Hashtags like #ProtectPressNE and #JusticeForJournalist are trending on social media platforms, calling for swift accountability.
What You Can Do to Support Press Freedom
Every citizen has a role to play in defending the media. When a Nagaland journalist is shot in Manipur, it’s not just one reporter at risk—it’s the entire fabric of democratic dialogue.
Here are 4 ways you can help:
- Share verified reports from trusted outlets
- Support independent media through subscriptions or donations
- Demand accountability from local authorities
- Speak up online using platforms and petitions
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The fact that a Nagaland journalist was shot in Manipur during a peaceful festival should serve as a wake-up call. Although the journalist survived, the message was clear: those seeking truth in dangerous regions remain vulnerable.
However, thanks to the bravery of ordinary citizens and the swift reaction from the media community, the attack has not gone unanswered.
Protecting journalists isn’t optional—it’s essential for democracy. Let’s stand together to ensure that those who report the truth can do so without fear.