Another journalist killed, this time in Tripura while covering agitation
The ongoing Tripura agitation has claimed yet another life. This time of a 27-year-old journalist, Santanu Bhowmik. Bhowmik, who worked with Din Raat channel, was abducted while he was covering a road blockade by the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura at Mandai, near Agartala, yesterday. He was later found severely injured and was declared brought dead by the doctors at a local hospital.
Another journalist killed, this time in Tripura while covering agitation
The ongoing Tripura agitation has claimed yet another life. This time of a 27-year-old journalist, Santanu Bhowmik. Bhowmik, who worked with Din Raat channel, was abducted while he was covering a road blockade by the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura at Mandai, near Agartala, yesterday. He was later found severely injured and was declared brought dead by the doctors at a local hospital.
What is the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura?
The Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) is a tribal party that wants a separate state Twipraland. A hardliner party, it wants to safeguard the rights of the tribal people (32% of Tripura's population). It's lately taken to spreading violence and agitation in the region.
Curfew in the region; 4 IPFT members taken into custody
According to the police, Bhowmik was attacked by IPFT cadres. As per local reports, four IPFT members have been arrested for interrogation. Because of violent conflicts between IPFT and CPI(M)'s tribal wing, several regions in Khowai and West Tripura districts have been under curfew since September 19. Section 144 of the CrPC has been announced in the area to tackle the agitation.
Over 27 Indian journalists have been killed since 1992
The message is clear. Don't talk on controversial issues, don't dissent, or you would talk no more. Bhowmik is the latest to join the long list of journalists who have been murdered for their work. The last was Gauri Lankesh, who was gunned down outside her house on September 4. As per the Committee to Protect Journalists, over 27 Indian journalists have been killed since 1992.
