Over 800 journalists in Tripura held a major protest in Agartala, submitting an 11-point charter demanding journalist safety, welfare measures, higher pensions, increased advertisement rates, and action against alleged harassment by ruling party legislators.
More than 800 journalists and media workers from across Tripura staged a three-hour sit-in demonstration in Agartala on Monday, demanding stronger safety measures, welfare support, and accountability over the alleged harassment of senior journalists by two ruling party legislators.
The protest, organised under a collective banner of media organisations, was held in front of Rabindra Bhavan and witnessed participation from journalists representing print, electronic, and digital media platforms. Media workers from all subdivisions of the state joined the agitation, underlining growing concern within the journalistic community over press freedom and professional security.
Protesters presented an 11-point charter of demands that focused on long-standing welfare issues, economic stability, and legal protection for journalists. One of the key demands was the allocation of free residential land for journalists, along with a substantial enhancement of pension and family pension benefits for retired media professionals and their dependents.
The charter also called for increased government advertisement rates for recognised newspapers, web portals, and television channels, citing rising operational costs and financial strain faced by media houses. Protesters further demanded a dedicated budgetary provision for journalist welfare, proposing an allocation of Rs 50 lakh to the Journalists’ Welfare Fund in the 2026–27 state budget.
A notable aspect of the demonstration was the participation of around 150 journalists and media workers from tribal communities associated with the Khumulwng Press Club. Their presence highlighted the inclusive nature of the protest and the shared challenges faced by journalists across social and regional backgrounds.
During the protest, speakers raised serious concerns over what they described as increasing social, economic, and physical threats to media professionals. They demanded the introduction of stronger legal safeguards to protect journalists from intimidation, harassment, and misuse of administrative power.
A delegation led by senior editor Subal Kumar Dey later met Chief Minister Manik Saha and submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the charter of demands. Speaking to reporters, Dey said the chief minister assured the delegation that the government would examine the issues carefully and take appropriate steps.
The delegation, however, warned that if justice was not ensured in cases involving alleged intimidation and harassment of journalists, they would escalate the matter by approaching the prime minister, the Union home minister, and the president of India.
Addressing the gathering, several speakers alleged that two ruling party MLAs — Ram Prasad Pal and Ranjit Debbarma — had misused their constitutional positions to harass senior journalists following news reports on alleged corruption and communally sensitive remarks. They claimed that such actions had created a climate of fear and were damaging the relationship between the government and the media.
The speakers stressed that press freedom could not survive without mutual respect between elected representatives and journalists, adding that accountability and transparency were essential for democratic governance. The MLAs named in the allegations have not issued any response so far.
Among other major demands were a 50 per cent concession on electricity charges for recognised media houses, regular release of government advertisements for weekly newspapers, group insurance coverage for journalists, and a monthly allowance for newspaper hawkers who form the backbone of print media distribution.
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The protesters also urged the government to take strict action against the misuse of social media and administrative authority to silence journalists, ensure early completion of trials in the cases relating to slain journalists Sudip Datta Bhowmik and Santanu Bhowmik, and enforce guidelines to prevent misuse of press stickers on vehicles.
The demonstration concluded peacefully, with organisers stating that further action would be decided based on the government’s response to their demands.
