Alleged attack on hawkers of a daily newspaper in Agartala
AGARTALA: The Agartala Press Club, Tripura’s largest media rights and welfare forum, has expressed deep dismay over an alleged attack on press freedom and political intimidation.
In a statement Tuesday, the club also condemned the physical assault on hawkers selling the vernacular newspaper Daily Desher Katha and the seizure of newspaper copies from them.
“A group of miscreants attacked the hawkers selling the newspaper Daily Desher Katha, forcibly seized copies and set them ablaze. Reports indicate that the attackers, who are allegedly affiliated with the ruling party, threatened the six hawkers with dire consequences,” Press Club Secretary Ramakanta Dey alleged.
He said that newspaper editor Samir Paul had filed a complaint with the West Agartala Police Station.
The Agartala Press Club strongly condemned this 'violent infringement' on press freedom terming it a barbaric attack that undermines the ability to express independent opinions. It demanded that the police apprehend those responsible, and urged the Chief Minister to ensure the safety of media outlets and their operations.