Agartala, Tripura: Members of the Journalist Development Union of Tripura (JDUT), along with several other media organizations, organized a massive sit-in demonstration today at the foot of the Mahatma Gandhi statue near the Agartala Circuit House. The gathering aimed to address the growing safety concerns and professional challenges faced by the journalistic community in the state.
The protest comes in the wake of recent reports of intimidation and physical assaults on media personnel across Tripura. Nearly 800 journalists and photojournalists joined the movement, raising slogans to protect the “Fourth Pillar of Democracy.”
Key Demands of the Union:
- Protection Against Intimidation: Strict legal action against political figures and anti-social elements accused of threatening senior journalists.
- Welfare Fund Allocation: A demand for the allocation of ₹50 Lakh to the Journalists’ Welfare Fund in the upcoming 2026-27 state budget.
- Safety Legislation: Implementation of a dedicated law for the protection of media workers to prevent physical and social attacks.
- Pension and Benefits: Doubling the current pension and family pension amounts for retired journalists.
- Utility Rebates: A 50% concession on electricity charges for recognized media houses and web portals.
- Land Allotment: Provision for free land allotment for housing to journalists in their respective working areas.
A delegation of senior journalists later met with the state administration to submit a memorandum detailing their 11-point charter of demands. The union warned that if concrete steps are not taken to ensure the safety and dignity of the press, they will be forced to intensify their agitation across all districts of the state.
