By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Monday, February 9, 2026
In a historic show of strength and professional solidarity, over 800 journalists and media workers from across Tripura converged in front of the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan today for a massive ‘Demonstration’ (Mass Sit-in). The three-hour-long demonstration was organized to protest against the rising intimidation of the press and to demand immediate welfare measures for the media fraternity.
Veterans Lead the Charge
The demonstration was led by the veterans of the state’s media fraternity. Senior Editor Shri Subal Kumar Dey, along with senior journalists Shri Shanit Debroy and Shri Pranab Sarkar, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the “traditional unity” of Tripura’s journalists remains the strongest shield against any attempt to muzzle the Fourth Estate.
“Vested interests, shielded by political power, are conspiring to fracture our unity and curtail democratic rights. But the presence of hundreds of media workers here today sends a clear message: the voice of the press cannot be silenced through intimidation or misuse of administrative authority,” veteran editor Subal Kumar Dey asserted.
The 11-Point Charter of Demands
While the movement initially highlighted 9 key issues, a comprehensive 11-point charter of demands was finalized during the protest and later submitted to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. Key demands include:
- Security Guarantees: Immediate and tangible security for all categories of journalists facing threats.
- Legal Action: Strict action against those misusing constitutional authority or social media to threaten senior editors and reporters.
- Justice for Martyrs: Speedy completion of trials in the murder cases of journalists Sudip Datta Bhowmik and Shantanu Bhowmik.
- Financial Welfare: Allocation of ₹50 lakh to the Journalists’ Welfare Fund in the upcoming budget and doubling of the journalist pension and family pension.
- Economic Support: 50% discount on electricity bills for media outlets and doubling of advertisement rates for weekly newspapers.
- Housing: Free land allocation for housing journalists in their respective districts.
Allegations of Intimidation
The speakers, including Shanit Debroy and Pranab Sarkar, specifically raised concerns regarding recent instances where political figures allegedly used derogatory language and threats against the media. They warned that targeting editors who report on corruption or communal issues is a direct assault on the democratic fabric of the state.
The protest also saw significant participation from the Khumulwng Press Club, with over 150 tribal journalists joining their counterparts from Agartala to demand a safe working environment in the ADC areas.
Memorandum Submitted to CM
Following the mass sit-in, a high-level delegation met with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. The Chief Minister reportedly assured the delegation that the government would examine the charter of demands with due seriousness. However, the media fraternity has warned that if concrete steps are not taken toward justice and welfare, they will escalate their grievances to the Union Home Minister and the President of India.
The day-long ‘Ganabastan’ concluded with a vow of “Awakening,” as journalists returned to their workstations, reaffirming their commitment to fearless and responsible journalism.
