(Updated with more details and audio, 1241 NST, 0657 GMT)
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KATHMANDU, Jan 12: The Janakpur town is mourning the gruesome murder of journalist Uma Singh. They are taking out funeral procession. Journalist Suresh Yadav told myrepublica.com that the journalists are going to picket the District Administration Office and the District Police Office in protest against the killing.
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Since early morning all six FM stations in Janakpur have been airing mourning tune and news bulletins – no music and other programs, said Yadav. The Dhanusha unit of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) is holding a meeting with Chief District Officer Shambhu Koirala to discuss about safety for journalists later Monday afternoon. [break]
However, the demonstrators mourning the death of Singh haven’t shut down the town. Similar demonstrations have been taken out in Mahottari, Sarlahi, Sindhuli, Siraha and Saptari districts. In Bara, journalists-at-work have wrapped black band on their wrist in protest.
Reports say armed groups have also threatened another journalist Manika Jha in Janakpur of life.
FNJ is taking out a protest rally at Ratna Park in Kathmandu at 2pm to protest the killing, according to Poshan KC, General Secretary, FNJ.
A group of about 15 armed people had murdered journalist Singh, 26, of Janakpur Today Radio, in her residence in Janakpur-14 Sunday evening. Singh who was seriously injured died on the way to Kathmandu for treatment at 11 p.m.
Police are yet to ascertain the identity and motive behind the murder of Singh who had been working with the FM station right since it went on air.
Her father and elder brother had been disappeared from Mirchaiya, Siraha district, three years ago. The Singh family has all along accused local Maoist leaders and cadres behind the disappearance of father-son duo. Singh is the first Nepali woman journalist to be killed.
