Demonstration against attack on journalists, media

Chitwan, March 29: The Chitwan chapter of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) protested the killing of a journalist Suresh Rajak, and attack on media houses in the demonstration occurred in Kathmandu on Friday.

Suresh Rajak, a journalist for Avenues Television, was killed in fire set in a building by the supporters of the former king. Journalist Rajak was taking a video of the demonstration from the building at Tinkune, Kathmandu.

Chitwan chapter of FNJ demonstrated from its office to Chaubiskothi this morning in the protest of the incident.

In an assembly organized after the demonstration, FNJ Central member and Chitwan chapter advisor, Narayan Adhikari, demanded to arrest the guilty of the incident and take action against them.

Similarly, General-Secretary of FNJ, Bagmati Province, and advisor of FNJ, Chitwan, Radheshyam Khatiwada, said the attack on journalists and media is an unpardonable crime.

Likewise, FNJ Chitwan chapter President Basanta Parajuli, Chairperson of Press Chautari Nepal, Bagmati Province, Tilak Ram Rimal, President of Nepal Press Union, Chitwan, Anil Dhakal, Chairperson of Socialist Press Organisation, Tika Dutta Timilsina, among others demanded stringent action against those involved in the crime.

Paying tribute to the journalist Rajak, they wished fast recovery to the injured ones. Those participating in the protest had carried placards reading ‘Guarantee safety of journalists’, ‘Action against murderer of journalist Suresh Rajak’, ‘Maintain press freedom’, ‘Stand for press freedom’ and ‘Stop suppression of journalists’.

Meanwhile, Kanchanpur chapter of FNJ also demanded investigation into the incident of death of journalist Rajak.

Issuing a press release today, FNJ, Kanchanpur President Suresh Dhami said, “Killing a journalist, terrorizing press in the name of protest is unacceptable. The FNJ always respects the constitutional rights of peaceful protest.”

The FNJ, Kanchanpur demanded the government that it brought to book those involved in such inhumane activities.