CM condemns threats to journalists, warns against misuse of power of chair

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday strongly condemned threats and intimidation of journalists through the misuse of administrative authority, asserting that newspapers and journalists constitute the fourth pillar of democracy and that the present state government is journalist-friendly.

Addressing a public meeting organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party at Demdum in Fatikrai under Unakoti district, the Chief Minister said that while the government respects the role of the media, some individuals are behaving rudely with journalists by misusing the “power of the chair” and spreading false statements.

“The government will not tolerate such actions under any circumstances. Appropriate steps will be taken against those responsible in the coming days,” Dr Saha said.

The Chief Minister also accused the Tipra Motha Party of attempting to create communal polarisation in the state. He alleged that over the past five years the party has failed to carry out meaningful development in the Autonomous District Council (ADC) areas and has instead been involved in large-scale corruption. He further claimed that individuals holding power in the ADC are frequently engaged in foreign trips.

In contrast, Dr. Saha said the present state government is working tirelessly for the development of all nineteen indigenous communities of Tripura. He alleged that since Tipra Motha came to power in the ADC, the education system in the council areas has collapsed.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” the Chief Minister said development of every community remains its foremost objective. He added that just as the government is committed to the welfare of all sections of society, it is equally committed to protecting the dignity and rights of journalists.

Without naming anyone, Dr Saha expressed displeasure over the recent conduct of the Assembly Deputy Speaker and Tipra Motha leader Ranjit Debbarma, alleging that journalists were being treated disrespectfully through misuse of administrative authority and false allegations. He assured that the matter would be taken seriously in the coming days.

Meanwhile, serious questions have been raised over police inaction in cases involving alleged death threats to journalists in Agartala. Even three days after reported threats, Agartala city police were yet to make arrests, drawing criticism from media circles.

According to reports, open death threats against journalists, attempts to incite public anger by marking posters with red crosses, and continued police silence have led the media fraternity to believe that the incidents are not isolated but constitute a direct attack on democratic institutions.

The incident reportedly occurred on February 14 in the Milan Sangha area of Bordowali, where Sanit Debroy, editor of the newspaper Ajker Fariad, chief editor of News Now channel, and General Secretary of the Assembly of Journalists (AoJ), allegedly received organised death threats. Red cross marks were reportedly drawn on posters, which legal experts have described as “target marking” and a serious form of intimidation.

Following investigative reports by Ajker Fariad and News Now on alleged extortion, land grabbing, and illegal collections in the Milan Sangha area, threats and smear campaigns were allegedly launched against the editor. It has been alleged that messages were conveyed suggesting that anyone reporting on corruption would be targeted.

Legal experts have pointed out that unlawful assembly and organised death threats are cognisable offences under Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). However, it is alleged that AD Nagar police station initially termed the case non-cognisable and delayed action, citing court permission.

In a related development, a coordinated defamatory campaign was allegedly launched on social media against Pranab Sarkar, President of the Agartala Press Club and editor of Headlines Tripura National. Despite multiple complaints filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, police action reportedly began only after nearly 72 hours and following public condemnation by the Chief Minister.

Media circles have also questioned the silence of the BJP state leadership, including state president Rajib Bhattacharjee, over the incidents. They warn that delays in police action despite open threats and intimidation create a dangerous precedent, raising concerns about the safety of journalists and ordinary citizens alike.

According to the latest reports, alleged soft police action may be giving accused persons in the Suryamaninagar area an opportunity to evade arrest.