'"Media crucial for social change, attacks on journalists intolerable": Tripura CM Saha

Agartala (Tripura) [India], November 17 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the attack on journalists and said it would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Addressing an event in Agartala on the occasion of National Press Day, CM Saha highlighted the media's role in providing impartial and objective news benefitting the people.
"In such cases, the law will take its 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," CM Saha said.
The Chief Minister attended the Sharad Samman program at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan on Saturday as part of Press Day.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister extended his congratulations to all journalists, news workers, and everyone associated with the press.
"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.
CM 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. The media have to point them out. However, this must be done impartially, ensuring that no one is unfairly maligned or overly favoured. 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," he said.
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. (ANI)