Media Forum holds sit-in demonstration in Kailashahar, demands arrest of two MLAs

The Unakoti District Media Forum on Saturday organised a three-hour peaceful sit-in demonstration in front of the Kailashahar Municipal Council, demanding the arrest of BJP MLA Ramprasad Paul and Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma over alleged misconduct with journalists.

The protest programme, presided over by Forum president Mohammad Jamal Uddin, witnessed participation from numerous journalists from Unakoti and North Tripura districts. The sit-in began at 1 PM and was attended by senior journalists including editor of ‘Aajker Fariad’ newspaper Sanit Debroy, editor of Headline Tripura National news channel Pranab Sarkar, editor of Vanguard news channel Sebak Bhattacharjee, senior journalist Dr Bishwendu Bhattacharjee, editor of ‘Janatar Mashal’ Abhijit Ghosh, editor of Northeast Herald Subrata Ghosh , editor of Public Now news channel Prasenjit Bhattacharjee, Manas Debbarma, and Udaipur Press Club president Jasim Uddin, along with several journalists from Agartala and Udaipur.

From Unakoti district, the programme was led by Mohammad Jamal Uddin, Debashish Dutta, Ayan Majumdar, Nazmul Hossain, Uttam Sinha, Uttam De, Dilwar Hossain Zakir and others. Journalists from North Tripura district including Biswajit Saha, Abdul Hannan, Kishore Haur and Raju Das also took part in the demonstration.

Welcoming the gathering, journalist Debashish Dutta addressed the participants. Senior journalist Dr Bishwendu Bhattacharjee, in his speech, elaborated in detail on the instances of misconduct by MLAs Ramprasad Paul and Ranjit Debbarma towards members of the press.

Senior editor Sebak Bhattacharjee stated that attacks on the fourth pillar of democracy — the media — and harassment of journalists would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He alleged that attempts were being made to silence journalists who speak out against influential individuals. He questioned why the administration remained inactive despite what he described as adequate evidence against the two accused MLAs and demanded their immediate arrest. He also urged the government to ensure a safe and fearless working environment for journalists.

Veteran editor Pranab Sarkar said, “Any attack on journalists or attempt to disrupt the democratic environment will not be tolerated. If there is injustice, there will be protest. When we arrived in Kailashahar today, local journalists were raising slogans demanding our security. But we are journalists—we do not seek security. Please do not raise such slogans. We have the strength and courage to fight. In the eyes of the law, all are equal. Regardless of party affiliations, a neutral and transparent investigation must be conducted and swift action taken. Otherwise, the journalist community will be compelled to launch a larger movement,” said Sarkar.

Veteran Editor Sanit Debroy remarked that the sit-in in Kailashahar was not solely a demand for the arrest of two MLAs but a broader struggle to safeguard democracy and freedom of the press. “An attempt to silence journalists is an attempt to weaken democracy. We clearly state that we will not accept any obstruction in the path of truth. The journalist community will stand united against any injustice or abuse of power. We demand a fair investigation and swift legal action against the guilty, and assurance of safety and dignity for journalists in the future,” he said.

During the programme, journalists raised various slogans demanding prompt legal action against the accused legislators. After three hours of peaceful demonstration, the sit-in concluded.

Residents of Kailashahar reportedly listened silently to the speeches throughout the protest and expressed support for the journalists’ demands. The Unakoti District Media Forum conveyed a clear message that it stands united and uncompromising in defending democracy and the freedom of the press.