JALESHWAR (MAHOTTARI), March 18: The brutal attack on Manjit Ram, Mahottari correspondent for Radio Nepal, has sparked widespread condemnation.
On Sunday afternoon, his neighbor Kunj Bihari Yadav and his family forcibly entered Ram's house in Sonama Rural Municipality-5, held him hostage, and brutally assaulted him. The attack left him injured and outraged the media fraternity.
Various journalist organizations have strongly condemned the incident. Nepal Journalists' Association (Central Committee) General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal, Nepal Journalists' Association (Madhes Province) General Secretary Shailendra Mahato, Nepal Journalists' Association (Mahottari Branch) Secretary Ram Narayan Mahato, Nepal Press Union (Mahottari Branch) Secretary Naveen Chaudhary, and Press Center Nepal (Mahottari) Secretary Bikas Arya Thakur issued separate statements denouncing the attack.
These organizations condemned the assault on journalist Ram as a heinous crime against press freedom and an attempt to intimidate and discourage journalists. They demanded immediate legal action against the attackers and urged authorities to ensure Ram's security.
They also wished for the swift recovery of Ram, who is currently receiving treatment at the Provincial Hospital in Jaleshwar for multiple injuries.
Meanwhile, District Police Office spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Santulal Prasad Jaiswar said police have conducted Ram's medical examination. He added that they would proceed with the investigation after receiving the medical report and are actively searching for the attackers.