AGARTALA, Dec 24 (TIWN): Earlier this week, the ‘Assembly of Journalists’ gave a deputation to Police HQ seeking security for journalists with 6-points demand. Today Photojournalist Association has protested against increasing attacks on journalists, photojournalists in state.

1. The persons involved in the attack on three journalists at Khayerpur are to be booked under the appropriate section of the IPC considering the gravity of the offense immediately and to ensure time-bound investigation and trial.

2. Issue direction to the appropriate level of Police Officers to act voluntarily as per the law if any crime is noticed by them especially on Media personnel or on any professional and take lawful action against the perpetrators without waiting to get a formal complaint so that the criminals do not dare to repeat the offense.

3. All the cases related to attack on journalists and media houses have to be dealt with an iron hand and to make sure that the attackers are booked and to face the trial as per the timeline set for the purpose.

4. Issue necessary direction to re-investigate all the past attacks on media after the hate speech of Hon’ble Chief minister on Sept 11, 2020, against the Media and arrange to book the perpetrators after due process of law.

5. Ensure society and a fearless environment in the state for free functioning of Press in Tripura.

6. And finally, to restore the practice of free flow of information from police, regular and timely issuance of Press Release from PHHQ besides, holding frequent interaction with the Media personnel up to Police Station level, which would be both ways beneficial for the professional discharge of journalists and police as well.

In a press meet, Assembly of Journalists’ President Subal Dey said that if Biplab Kumar Deb does not apologize for attacking media repeatedly, they will start agitating soon for an indefinite period.