Agartala,October 27, 2025: The Tripura Journalists’ Union (TJU) has voiced strong protest against the police case filed by Tipra Motha MLA and surrendered militant leader Ranjit Debbarma against senior journalist Pranab Sarkar, who serves as the All India Secretary and Acting President of the Union’s state committee.
In a press statement, the TJU said it is “deeply concerned” over the “false, baseless and politically motivated” complaint. The Union alleged that the voter ID card mentioned in the case had already gone viral on social media and was broadcast by several news channels long before the FIR was registered.
“Yet, only Pranab Sarkar has been targeted clearly with the intent to defame him and mislead the public,” the statement read.
Highlighting Mr. Sarkar’s long-standing contribution to inclusive journalism in Tripura, the TJU recalled his role in setting up the Khumlung Press Club, the first dedicated press body for tribal journalists in the state, during his tenure as Secretary of the Agartala Press Club.
The Union also accused MLA Ranjit Debbarma of illegally using Mr. Sarkar’s photographs and posting provocative content on social media to incite division among journalists.
Calling the act “deliberate and divisive,” the TJU urged Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to take immediate legal action against the MLA and ensure adequate security for Pranab Sarkar.
“If this deliberate provocation continues, the Tripura Journalists’ Union will be forced to launch a statewide agitation,” warned TJU Executive General Secretary Santosh Gope.
