Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha Sunday talked about the ‘crucial’ role of the media in a democracy.
“The press has an important role. The media is termed the fourth pillar (of democracy). Although it’s not a statutory position, it still has a significant responsibility in a democracy. The primary job of the media is to maintain the integrity of the legislative, executive and judicial institutions,” said CM Saha.
Speaking at an event to mark the National Press Day in Agartala, Saha stressed the need for media persons to combat the ‘trend’ of the dissemination of partially accurate facts, online hate speeches, and divisive strategies on social media.
“It’s a challenge indeed to spread accurate news and to create a proper environment,” the CM said.
Terming media persons as “mirrors of society”, Saha urged them to work with a sense of responsibility.
He stated that freedom of speech and expression is the life force of the media, and media persons should be alert about the need to maintain the integrity that comes with presenting news.
CM Saha urged senior journalists to conduct seminars on different topics at least once every month and assured them of extending cooperation through the state’s Information and Cultural Affairs department.
Story continues below this ad
In reference to the murders of two journalists in Tripura – Shantanu Bhowmik and Sudip Datta Bhowmik – during the erstwhile Left Front regime, CM Saha stated that efforts are being made to ensure justice for them.
Bhowmik was killed in September 2017, while Datta Bhowmik was murdered in November of the same year.
