Vigyanmancha (Science Forum) Tripura held its agitation program in Agartala to protest the arrest of the Editor of Newsclick website Prabir Purkayastha, administrative officer Amit Chakraborty under the UAPA Act and the raids, searches and harassment at the homes of journalists, writers and researchers associated with Newsclick.
The science activities holds the protest rally started from Paradise Chowmuhani and organized a protest meeting .
At the protest meeting held at Paradise Chowmuhani, Tripura Human Rights Organization Secretary Purushottam Roy Barman said that an undeclared emergency situation is going on across the country. State terror against the NewsClick is aimed at suppress the voice of protest and resistance, from this attack on freedom of speech and expression. Clearly, the rulers are not ready to tolerate any kind of criticism, contrary news.
THRO Secretary referred to the history of judicial department for sending accused to police custody despite not giving copy of FIR. Newsclick has received 9% of its total investment from abroad, according to the Reserve Bank. Allegation against NewsClick is baseless as foreign investment up to 26% of total investment in digital media is legal. Newsclick’s only ‘crime’ is to do journalism in the public interest and in the country without paying tribute to the government.
Hence Purushottam Roy Burman alleged that this was a monstrous attack.
The Secretary of Vigyanmancha (Science Forum) Dr. Mihir Lal Roy and Prof. Mihir Deb urged everyone to join in protesting the attack on the media.
