Tripura-Based Social Media Channel in Trouble for Derogatory Comments Against Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma

In a recent controversy, the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF), the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party, has filed multiple FIRs against a Tripura-based social media channel for allegedly posting derogatory comments about the party’s founder, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma. The FIRs were lodged with various police stations in Tripura following a post made by the Facebook page “News Anushandhan” on February 16.

The post, which was published on the social media channel’s page, used the derogatory term “Pradyot er Batpari” (translated as “Pradyot a fraud”) in Bengali. According to the YTF, this comment is offensive not only to Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma but also to the entire Lakh Tiprasa (Scheduled Tribe) community of Tripura, as the royal scion is a prominent figure from the indigenous group. The Youth Tipra Federation has raised concerns about how such language may foster division and hatred between communities in Tripura, a state with a diverse demographic makeup.

The Allegations and the FIRs

The YTF strongly condemned the “News Anushandhan” post and viewed it as an act of incitement. The federation stated that calling Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma “Batpari” (fraud or cheater) in reference to the royal leader is an insult not only to him but to the entire indigenous community of Tripura. The YTF highlighted that such content could potentially incite violence and stir tension between the Indigenous communities and other groups in the state, and as a result, it should be dealt with stringently by the law.

The FIR specifically called for legal action under the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, accusing the page of promoting hate speech and spreading false, inflammatory information. The Youth Tipra Federation emphasized that “freedom of expression” does not extend to hate speech or comments that encourage communal tension or division.

The FIR also mentioned that the content posted by “News Anushandhan” could lead to further polarization and division in Tripura, which is home to a large indigenous population, and a rise in ethnic strife. The YTF’s request for the immediate banning of the Facebook page under the IT Act was included in the FIR. The Youth Tipra Federation has urged the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and take strict legal action against the responsible individuals, including the page’s owner, controllers, speakers, and associates involved.

The Role of Social Media in Modern-day Discourse

The YTF’s strong response to the post reflects the growing concern about the role of social media in shaping public discourse. Platforms like Facebook have become powerful tools for both positive social engagement and harmful misinformation. However, when used irresponsibly, social media can easily become a vehicle for hate speech and divisive rhetoric, as seen in this case.

In the digital age, it is crucial that responsible journalism and media outlets remain vigilant in their approach to commentary and news coverage. Content that targets individuals or communities based on their caste, community, religion, or ethnicity should be condemned outright. The YTF’s demand for the Facebook page’s immediate removal emphasizes the importance of upholding decency in public discourse.

The Legal Framework for Protecting Against Hate Speech

India’s Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, but this right is not absolute. The law allows for restrictions on speech that can lead to harm, public disorder, or hatred against any group based on their identity. The SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, under which the YTF has called for legal action, is designed to protect individuals from discriminatory actions based on their caste, and the IT Act regulates online content to prevent misuse of digital platforms.

The Youth Tipra Federation is demanding that the incident be dealt with under the relevant legal provisions, including the SC & ST Atrocities Act, the BNS Act, and other pertinent laws. These frameworks are critical in ensuring that hate speech and online harassment are addressed and discouraged in Indian society.

A Call for Accountability

The issue surrounding “News Anushandhan” serves as a reminder of the power of social media and the need for strict regulations to prevent it from being misused for spreading hate and misinformation. The Youth Tipra Federation’s swift response in filing FIRs and seeking legal action underscores the importance of accountability for online content creators, especially when it has the potential to stir social unrest.

As the case progresses, it will be important to see how the legal system addresses the misuse of social media in Tripura and whether this incident serves as a warning to others about the consequences of spreading inflammatory content online.