KATHMANDU, Sept 23: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) on Friday expressed serious concerns over the alleged misbehavior by the PM´s press advisor with the managing editor and the editor of the Jana Astha Weekly over a news report published in the newspaper two days ago.
The FNJ raised its concerns after the newspaper´s managing editor Rajendra Sthapit and editor Kishor Shrestha complained in writing to the journalists´ umbrella body, stating that the PM´s press advisor Ram Rijhan Yadav misbehaved and launched verbal attack on them during a program organized by the Press Council.[break]
Issuing a press statement, the FNJ said it is unfortunate that Yadav resorted to such a despicable act during a public function.
“The federation condemns the incident which has taken place in Sanchargram [head office of the FNJ) and urges the PM´s advisor to be mindful of his position as the PM´s press advisor,” the statement said.
Similarly, Press Chautari Nepal (PCN) has condemned the incident accusing Yadav of manhandling Sthapit and Shrestha.
“It is unfortunate that a person holding the position of a member of a prestigious institution like Nepal Press Council, established for the promotion of free and responsible journalism, was involved in such an act,” said the statement issued by PCN on Friday.
However, Yadav refuted the allegations. “I just told him that I didn´t want to shake hands with him,” Yadav told Republica. “I did so because he ran a baseless report about me in his newspaper without verifying it.”