Journalists slam TWJA for calling threats to editors a personal matter, accuse body of betrayal

Journalists across Tripura, cutting across unions and associations, have launched a united protest against alleged threats and intimidation directed at two senior editors by ruling party MLAs. However, the stance taken by the Tripura Working Journalists Association (TWJA) has drawn sharp criticism from members of the media fraternity.

Over the past few weeks, BJP MLA Ramprasad Paul and Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma have allegedly carried out defamatory campaigns against senior editors Sanit Debroy and Pranab Sarkar. In response, journalists staged a mass demonstration in front of Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala on February 9 and submitted a memorandum outlining a 12-point charter of demands.

On February 17, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha strongly condemned the incident and issued a warning against intimidation targeting media professionals.

TWJA’s Position Draws Fire

Amid the growing protest movement, the TWJA distanced itself from the collective platform of state journalists, describing the dispute between the MLAs and the editors as a “personal matter.” The association’s position has sparked widespread criticism within the journalistic community.

Further controversy arose when MLA Ramprasad Paul was invited to the TWJA’s biennial conference and given a platform to speak. Critics alleged that this move undermined the united stand taken by journalists across the state.

On Wednesday, TWJA president Bijoy Paul and Secretary Sunil Debnath addressed a press conference at the Agartala Press Club to clarify their position. However, fellow journalists questioned the leadership’s stance, alleging inconsistency and failure to provide satisfactory answers regarding the association’s handling of the issue.

Questions over Press Freedom

Journalists have raised broader concerns over press freedom and the role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy. They questioned whether reporting on alleged misconduct by ruling party leaders could be termed a personal dispute and whether threats or smear campaigns against editors should be viewed as attacks on the press as a whole.

With the Chief Minister publicly condemning intimidation against media professionals, the issue has intensified debate within the state’s journalistic circles. Protesting journalists have reiterated their demand for accountability and protection of press freedom, asserting that any threat against an editor constitutes an attack on the media community at large.