September 20, 2017: Condemning murder of a TV Channel reporter- Shantanu Bhowmik, Journalists of Agartala has staged road blockade agitation and gheraoed the Chief Minister Manik Sarkar’s official residence. Agitating reporters are demanding arrests of the criminals. In the wake of State Government’s successive failures to handle IPFT goons, agitating reporters and journalists are demanding Chief Minister’s assurance. Meanwhile a delegation of senior Journalists met the Governor Tathagata Roy and demanded CBI inquiry to probe the murder of young reporter. He assured to extend all possible help.
Violence erupted today between CPIM-IPFT supporters in Mandwi under West Tripura. Sources said, a reporter was brutally killed in the violence while several TSR jawans and common people were injured.
Shantanu Bhowmik who went to Mandwi to collect information after violence broke out between CPIM and IPFT cadres was butchered by the goons and soon died. He was a young TV channel reporter from Agartala. Brutal murder of the reporter irked the common people as well as journalists.
Local people of Mandwi blamed the administration for spilling out the situation to such an extent. “It is hard to believe that there is any administration at place. Security personnel were toothless as they had no instruction to take stern actions against armed goons. Administration has literally bowed down to hooligans – Government is scared of taking firm actions against the goons and ensure safety of common people”.
Dissent among common people relating to Manik Sarkar led government’s successive failures in controlling violence unleashed by IPFT is palpable. “If Government is reluctant to use armed forces, what is the need of maintaining TSR Jawans”, asked one Swapan Debnath. Notably, CPIM Government, despite sufficient security arrangements have repeatedly failed to protect public properties, common people – even CPIM people are receiving severe beatings under CPIM rule and Government is mum.
“Police were asked to remain inactive when IPFT goons created mayhem in Agartala last year. No one was arrested after State SFI leader was severely beaten. Similarly Government failed to provide security to Khumlung CPIM supporters. IPFT supporters assaulted GMP supporters at several placesand torched as many as 10 vehicles. If CPIM government is unable to ensure security of Party supporters, it is a matter of grave concern”, said a Party worker on condition of anonymity and further alleged, all these are glaring example failures of the Government.
