Historical Account of Rayabari Incident Behind The Death Threat Recalled
An anonymous social media account threatened veteran journalist Manas Pal with death after he recalled a 2000 NLFT-related incident in South Tripura. The journalist has filed an FIR to help identify the account holder. He has also reaffirmed his commitment to writing about militancy, historical violence and communal politics without compromise.
At A Glance
Veteran journalist Manas Pal says an anonymous social media threat will not change his position on militancy and history of the State.
He has filed an FIR against the person who used a social media account under the name Jyoti Chakma.
Pal rejects the requirement of personal security arrangements and describes threats and assaults as professional hazards of journalism.
Veteran journalist Manas Pal has vowed to continue his writings on militancy, divisive politics, communal hatred and Tripura’s history despite receiving an explicit death threat through social media. He said intimidation would not force him to change his position or abandon issues he considers important for public understanding.
| Earlier Report: Veteran Journalist Manas Pal Gets Death Threat, FIR Lodged |
In a video statement, Pal said an individual operating a ‘fake’ social media account under the name ‘Jyoti Chakma’ openly called for his killing. He has lodged an FIR, and Crime Branch cybercrime officials are trying to identify the person behind the account.
The threat triggered widespread condemnation within the media fraternity and intellectual circles across the State and beyond. Several journalists, intellectuals and supporters expressed concern through social media posts and personal messages.
Pal thanked everyone who stood by him. However, the veteran journalist said the incident had not changed his resolve to continue writing.
Manas Pal Defends His Position on Militancy
Pal said the threat did not come as a surprise, given his consistent criticism of militancy, divisive politics and communal hatred.
He maintained that his writings on the history and past violence against villagers based on evidence reflected a clear and uncompromising position.
The Journalist particularly criticised the rehabilitation approach adopted by the state and central governments towards former militants.
According to Pal, victims of genocide, xenophobic violence, selective killings, kidnappings and arson received little assistance, while former militant groups and their members secured substantial benefits under government policies.
However, he clarified that he did not oppose allowing former militants to return to normal life.
His objection, Pal said, concerned the failure to ensure that those accused in serious criminal cases first faced trial in courts of law. He specifically referred to Special Report (SR) cases and other serious offences.
The Journalist argued that accused persons should face judicial proceedings before receiving rehabilitation benefits. He said the state and central governments, particularly the Centre, had adopted a different approach.
He reiterated that his position as a journalist, an Indian citizen and an individual remained clear.
Historical Account of Rayabari Incident Behind Controversy
Pal linked the threat to a social media post recalling a 2000 incident involving NLFT area commander Haflong Jamatia and his associates in Rayabari village under Killa police station in South Tripura.
He said recent reports of two rape accused being shot dead in alleged encounters in West Bengal had reminded him of the incident in Tripura.
According to Pal, Jamatia and his associates repeatedly raped women from Rayabari throughout the month of Ramadan. He alleged that the assaults took place at gunpoint, sometimes in front of the victims’ parents, husbands, brothers and other family members.
The incident forced the entire Muslim community of the village to leave their homes, Pal pointed out.
He recalled that the allegations triggered widespread public outrage and prompted inquiries by a women’s commission and an independent commission.
Subsequently, police arrested Haflong Jamatia, the main accused and the commander behind the attacks. Police later shot him dead during an operation to recover firearms after he allegedly attempted to escape.
Pal said media reports, police documents and court records contained accounts of the incident.
Referring to his post, Pal stressed that his social media post simply recalled the well-documented historical incident without adding personal commentary. However, he suspected that identifying the accused as an NLFT militant might have angered certain people.
He said the person behind the fake account did not question the authenticity of the incident but instead issued an explicit threat against him.
Questions Use of Chakma Identity
The veteran journalist also questioned the use of the name Jyoti Chakma by the person operating the fake account.
He pointed out that Chakmas are Buddhists and maintained that the community had never participated in militant organisations such as the different NLFT factions and ATTF operating in Tripura.
Besides, militant groups had carried out selective killings and attacks on Chakma villages in Dhalai district, he claimed.
Pal said he had previously written about these incidents and could publish further details whenever necessary. He also questioned the intention behind using the Chakma surname in the fake social media identity.
Rejects Security Cover as Response to Threat
Responding to suggestions that he should seek security, Pal described threats, assaults and injuries sustained during police lathi charges or firing as professional hazards associated with journalism.
“I had voluntarily chosen the profession and understood its risks. Journalists could face threats, physical attacks and even police action over their reporting and writings”, he added.
Pal recalled his experience as a field reporter who covered conflict zones, visited militant-affected areas and interviewed NLFT militants in their hideouts.
Against this background, he described the idea of a journalist moving around with security personnel because of a social media threat as ridiculous.
He also said authorities must consider several factors, including the nature and degree of a threat, before deciding whether security protection is necessary.
FIR Seeks Identification of Person Behind Fake Account
Although Pal said he was not seeking personal security, he explained why he had lodged an FIR.
“The complaint was necessary to officially record the threat and enable the police and cybercrime officials to identify the person responsible”, Pal mentioned.
He also expressed concern that such threats could affect other journalists and individuals who speak out publicly.
Pal thanked fellow journalists, friends and supporters for their solidarity. He reaffirmed that he would continue writing as long as his conscience remained clear, his sources were available and he believed the information deserved to reach the public, particularly the younger generation.
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Recalling that two journalists had already been murdered in Tripura, Pal acknowledged the risks associated with the profession.
However, he ended his statement with an unequivocal assurance: he would continue pursuing his chosen path without compromise.
