CM Dr. Manik Saha Assures Early Resolution of Indigenous Journalists Long-Pending Demands, Including Land for Khumulwng Press Club

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 26, 2026

In a major development for Tripura’s indigenous media fraternity, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has assured early resolution of various long-pending demands of indigenous journalists, including the crucial issue of land allotment for constructing a dedicated Press Club building at Khumulwng.

The assurance came during an interactive session organized by the State Government at Sonartari State Guest House, where the Chief Minister personally engaged with members of the indigenous media community and listened to their concerns in detail. The meeting is being viewed as a significant step toward addressing longstanding issues faced by journalists working in remote and tribal areas of the state.

For years, indigenous journalists have been demanding land allotment to establish their own press club at Khumulwng to strengthen professional coordination and institutional infrastructure. The proposal, however, had remained pending at the Secretariat level for nearly a year due to legal and administrative complexities.

Following the Chief Minister’s direct intervention during the meeting, the matter gained immediate momentum. Dr. Saha instructed the concerned departments to expedite the process and remove procedural bottlenecks so that the land allotment could be finalized without further delay.

He assured that all necessary legal formalities would be completed at the earliest, bringing renewed hope among the journalists present at the session.

Apart from the land issue, several other media-related concerns were placed before the Chief Minister. Journalists highlighted the challenges they face while reporting from grassroots and interior areas, including security risks, lack of infrastructure, and financial constraints affecting smaller media houses.

Dr. Saha listened attentively and acknowledged the important role of journalists in strengthening democratic institutions. He emphasized that he does not see himself merely as an administrator, but as a responsible guardian of democratic values.

The Chief Minister assured that the government is considering specific measures to support and streamline smaller media organizations and ensure that journalists can work in a safe and dignified environment. He reiterated that ensuring the security and dignity of journalists, irrespective of caste, creed, or community, remains a moral responsibility of his government.

Importantly, he clarified that he would avoid making unrealistic commitments. “I do not want to weave dreams that cannot be fulfilled,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to practical and time-bound solutions.

The atmosphere at the meeting was marked by gratitude and solidarity. Indigenous women journalists welcomed the Chief Minister with traditional Risa, reflecting cultural pride and mutual respect.

Observers described the interaction as more than a formal grievance session, calling it a constructive and meaningful dialogue between the government and the media fraternity. Officials from the Information and Cultural Affairs Department were reportedly directed to prepare a structured roadmap to address the issues raised during the discussion.

The interaction sent a strong message that when leadership engages directly with journalists at the grassroots level, solutions become more accessible and democratic dialogue is strengthened.

For indigenous journalists in Tripura, the meeting is being regarded as a landmark moment, signifying renewed recognition, institutional support, and optimism for the future of indigenous media in the state.

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