Unakoti Journalists Raise Four Key Concerns: Seek Safety, Action Against Fake Journalists, Drug Control and Crackdown on Press Sticker Misuse
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 16, 2026
The concerns surrounding journalists’ safety and the misuse of press identity are no longer confined to Agartala, Udaipur or Dharmanagar. Journalists working in Unakoti district have now raised their voices over the growing challenges faced by members of the media fraternity, including threats issued through social media, the activities of people allegedly misusing journalistic identities, the entry of narcotic substances and illegal Burmese cigarettes, and the misuse of “Press” stickers on vehicles.
A delegation of working journalists from Unakoti district met the Superintendent of Police, Unakoti, on Tuesday and submitted a deputation highlighting these concerns. The journalists urged the police administration to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of media personnel, identify and take action against those allegedly posing as journalists, strengthen surveillance against the movement of drugs and illegal Burmese cigarettes, and prevent the misuse of press stickers on vehicles.
Threats to Journalists Following Drug-Related Report
One of the major issues raised during the deputation was the alleged threat to journalists following the publication of a report concerning the seizure of a suspected narcotic substance.
According to the journalists, Unakoti-based journalists Bikash Kapali and Nazmul Hossain were allegedly threatened with death through fake social media accounts after reporting on the seizure of the suspected intoxicating substance.
The journalists stated that an FIR was lodged at Fatikroy Police Station on August 29 in connection with the alleged threats. However, they claimed that despite the registration of the FIR, they had not yet noticed any visible progress in identifying those responsible for issuing the threats.
The delegation urged the police to conduct a prompt investigation, trace the persons operating the alleged fake accounts and take appropriate legal action against those found responsible.
The journalists stressed that threats against media personnel cannot be treated lightly, particularly when they arise in connection with professional reporting. They said journalists must be able to collect and publish news without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
Concern Over Drugs and Illegal Burmese Cigarettes
The second major issue raised by the journalists was the alleged regular entry of narcotic substances and illegal Burmese cigarettes into different parts of Unakoti district.
The journalists expressed concern over the potential impact of the availability of such substances on the younger generation. They called for increased police surveillance along border areas, vulnerable routes and important entry points through which illegal consignments may enter the district.
They also urged the authorities to intensify checking and intelligence-based operations to identify networks involved in the transportation and distribution of narcotic substances and illegally imported cigarettes.
According to the journalists, stronger enforcement is necessary not only to curb illegal trade but also to protect young people from increasing exposure to addictive substances.
Demand to Crack Down on Misuse of Press Stickers
The third major concern involved the alleged misuse of “Press” stickers on vehicles.
The journalists alleged that some individuals who are not genuine members of the media use press stickers on their vehicles and subsequently attempt to use the identity associated with journalism for unethical or illegal activities.
They demanded that such vehicles and individuals be identified and that action be taken in accordance with the law wherever misuse is established.
The journalists also emphasized that the issue should be dealt with carefully so that the genuine identity and professional credibility of working journalists and legitimate media organisations are not compromised.
They called for appropriate verification mechanisms to distinguish genuine media personnel from individuals allegedly misusing press identities.
Safety of Working Journalists a Key Concern
During the deputation, the journalists underlined that safety is an essential prerequisite for independent journalism. They said journalists regularly work in challenging situations while covering crime, drug-related activities, corruption and other sensitive issues, making their security an important concern.
They maintained that threats, intimidation and the misuse of media identity can undermine the credibility and functioning of the legitimate press.
The journalists also stressed the need for stronger anti-drug enforcement and effective preventive measures to protect the younger generation from substance abuse.
Journalists Present at the Deputation
Journalists including Bikash Kapali, Nazmul Hossain, Uttam Deb, Priyatosh Das and Shubhankar Das, along with other working journalists from Unakoti district, were present during the deputation.
The delegation called upon the district police administration to examine the issues raised seriously and take necessary action at the earliest.
The developments have once again brought attention to the wider concerns surrounding journalists’ security, the credibility of the press identity, illegal narcotics and the misuse of press stickers—issues that journalists say require coordinated and visible action from the authorities.
I can also make this into a sharper TripuraInfo-style news report with a stronger headline and more investigative tone, while keeping the allegations clearly attributed.
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