New Generation Journalists' Bodies Take Lead on Press Rights, JDUT Seeks Apology from BJP IT Cell In-Charge, Voice of Media Announces Deputation Programme today
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 1, 2026
While several of Tripura's long-established journalists' organisations including the Assembly of Journalists, Agartala Press Club, Tripura Journalists' Union, and Working Journalists' Associationhave largely remained silent on recent issues concerning the media fraternity, a number of newly formed journalists' organisations have become increasingly vocal in defending press freedom, protesting alleged derogatory remarks against journalists, and raising long-pending demands of media professionals.
The latest controversy erupted after Journalists Development Union of Tripura (JDUT) strongly condemned remarks allegedly made by Tripura Pradesh BJP IT Cell In-Charge Chandan Debnath regarding the state's media and journalists. The organisation has issued a three-day ultimatum demanding a public apology, warning of an intensified democratic movement if the apology is not forthcoming.
The controversy follows the state government's recent decision to prohibit private practice by senior doctors. On Tuesday, GBP Hospital and Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) witnessed an unusually large influx of patients, reportedly resulting in overcrowding and inconvenience due to inadequate infrastructure and limited space. Several news organisations highlighted the situation as part of their responsibility to report matters of public interest.
Reacting to those reports through a social media live session, Chandan Debnath reportedly criticised the state's media coverage, questioned the quality and professional competence of journalists, cast doubts on the intent behind the reports, and allegedly compared the news industry with other commercial businesses. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from sections of the media fraternity.
In a statement issued by its Editor Raju Bhowmik, JDUT said every citizen has the democratic right to disagree with or criticise news reports. However, the organisation alleged that the language, tone, and nature of the comments made by the BJP IT Cell In-Charge crossed acceptable limits and amounted to an unwarranted attack on journalists and the media profession.
JDUT further stated that such remarks, coming from a functionary of a national political party, could be perceived as an attempt to undermine the credibility of the state's media and weaken the role of the press as the fourth pillar of democracy. According to the organisation, criticism of journalism should remain issue-based and should not degenerate into personal attacks or sweeping allegations against the entire media community.
The organisation has demanded that Chandan Debnath issue a public apology within three days for what it described as insulting and objectionable remarks against journalists. It warned that failure to apologise would compel the organisation to launch a stronger democratic agitation in defence of the dignity and rights of media professionals.
Meanwhile, another journalists' body, Voice of Media, has announced a statewide deputation programme on July 1, 2026, to press for the long-pending legitimate demands and welfare issues of journalists.
According to an invitation issued by State President Kaushik Adhikari, journalists, media workers, camera persons, video editors, desk staff, and professionals associated with print, electronic, web, and digital media from across Tripura have been invited to participate in the programme.
The deputation will seek to submit a charter of demands to the Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department, highlighting issues concerning the rights, welfare, professional security, and dignity of media personnel.
The programme is scheduled to begin at 11:30 am on July 1, 2026, with participants assembling at City Centre, Agartala before proceeding to submit the memorandum.
The back-to-back initiatives by newly formed media organisations indicate a growing activism among younger journalists' bodies in Tripura, particularly on issues relating to press freedom, professional dignity, and the protection of journalists' rights. The developments are expected to generate wider discussion within the state's media fraternity in the coming days.
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