Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“In such cases, the law will take its own course. Additionally, the media must provide impartial and objective news for the benefit of the people. This will be good for both the country and the state,” said Dr. Saha.
Dr. Saha said this while participating in the Sharad Samman program organized by Headlines Tripura news channel at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister extended his congratulations to all journalists, news workers, and everyone associated with the press on the occasion of National Press Day.
He noted that prior to 2018, Headlines Tripura faced numerous challenges.
“Despite these setbacks, this channel has endured. It has presented truthful news to the people of the state.
Today, news media are also contributing to various social activities beyond delivering news. The Sharad Samman is one such initiative. Therefore, apart from providing news, the media should also contribute to building society,” he said.
Dr. Saha acknowledged that the government is not infallible and stressed the role of the media in highlighting errors responsibly.
“Now that we are in government, we too may make mistakes. It is the duty of the media to point them out. However, this must be done impartially, ensuring that no one is unfairly maligned or overly favored. Honest and accurate information should be presented to the public. If our mistakes are pointed out, we will certainly try to rectify them,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also remarked on the evolution of media, from print to electronic and web platforms.
“Today, we receive news for free from various sources. I regularly monitor the news and discuss issues with officials based on these reports. This highlights the significant role of the media in society. Social change cannot be achieved solely by the government or the cabinet. The media has a crucial responsibility in this regard,” said Dr. Saha.
He further emphasized that since assuming the Chief Minister’s office, he has taken immediate action on reports of attacks on journalists.
“I have not ignored any such reports. Attacks on journalists will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The law and order situation in Tripura is stable, even though the opposition claims otherwise,” he added.
The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharya, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Headlines Tripura Editor Pranab Sarkar, writer of the movie Laapata Ladies Biplab Goswami, and other dignitaries.
(Tripura, Northeast)
