CM says, media-govt relations based on mutual respect

Agartala, Jul 19, 2011 : As the standoff between the media and state government continues Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said his government believes in mutual respectful and cordial relations with media.

The Chief Minister’s comment came close on the heels of verbal attacks –almost amounting to threats-on media by some of his party colleagues in recent times following agitation launched by media personnel against police assaults on 11 journalists on July 10.

“The relations between state government and the journalists are always based on mutual respect. We understand that media has great role to play in a democracy”, said Sarkar while giving interview to local TV channels.

Referring to the police assault on media personnel he said, ‘it was, indeed, unfortunate and unwarranted. It should have been evaded”.

“Journalists have to go to places and carry out their professional duties. Concerned officials should ensure that the media personnel can perform their duties without hindrance”, he added.

Chief Minister said, his government believes in restraints while dealing with situation like July 10 and 11.

Besides, he added, it is expected that in a democratic society there would be opposition to the government policies. It is not at all unusual.

The Chief Minister also indicated that he was ready to discuss the issues and find out a solution to break the ice.

Expressing condolence to the bereaved family of slain Papai Saha he hinted that state government might consider financial compensation to the family.

On the cancellation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Tripura to inaugurate the assembly building, Sarkar said he was informed by the PM that the visit had been cancelled due to his preoccupation with some important works.

Meantime, Congress organized a rally on Sunday and launched a scathing attack on the ruling Left Front for recent developments- brutal police actions on Congress workers, media persons etc- arisen out of opposition agitation relating to TMC admission imbroglio.