After Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb was heard saying that he would not forgive “over-excited” newspapers for creating “confusion” about the Covid-19 situation, journalists in the state have said that they fear the threats issued by him and gave the BJP leader “three days” to take back his remark.
According to a report in The Indian Express, the CM was recorded making the statement at Sabroom, where he had gone to lay the foundation of Tripura’s first Special Economic Zone.
“Some newspapers are trying to confuse people, getting over-excited. History will not forgive them, people of Tripura won’t forgive them and I, Biplab Deb, shall not forgive them. I do whatever I say, history is testimony to that,” he is heard saying in the video clip that has been doing the rounds on social media.
A member of the Forum for Protection of Media and Journalists in Tripura was quoted as saying, “The ruling party and the government are issuing regular threats to media organisations through press conferences. The CM’s threat to media organisations at a public gathering has shoved us into fear. We weren’t this afraid even during the Emergency.”
“We condemn the undemocratic and unconstitutional comments from the chief minister. We hope he will withdraw his remark within the next three days,” Chairperson Subal Kumar Dey said.
Dey also claimed that journalists are facing threats and being assaulted in different parts of Tripura following Deb’s statement.
“Two journalists have been assaulted in the last 24 hours. We are deeply anxious and have decided to approach Governor R K Bais, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Editors Guild of India…,” he said.
Dey, who is also the president of Agartala Press Club, alleged that the ruling BJP is issuing regular threats to media organisations.
“The state is trying to enslave media persons. State government orders are issued to choke journalists’ voices,” he said.
Meanwhile, police said a scribe associated with a local daily was attacked by a group of people after midnight.
The journalist had criticised Deb in a social media post for his comments.
The Chief Minister’s Office, has, however, denied the allegations that Deb had threatened journalists.
The CM’s media advisor was also quoted as saying that the Tripura government is committed to press freedom and media rights. The advisor, however, accused some local newspapers of working with some agenda.
(With PTI inputs)
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