KATHMANDU, Jan 28: An attempt to obstruct publication and broadcasting was made by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) by imposing a lockout at Nepal Republic Media (NRM). Although FNJ office-bearers led a lockout at the administrative office of NRM—publisher of Nagarik Daily, Republica Daily, Nagariknews and myRepublica—on Wednesday morning, it was later removed in the presence of local representatives and the police. That a media house which has consistently advocated for Nepal’s democratic movement should face such an action is, in itself, deeply regrettable.
In violation of the FNJ statute, which prohibits obstruction of any publication house, an attempt was made to disrupt NRM’s operations. Rather than contributing to the development of journalism, the FNJ engaged in sit-ins, lockouts and sloganeering against the publication house over issues related to individuals who had already quit the organisation. Persons not currently employed at the NRM attempted to intervene regarding remuneration and other facilities, even as incumbent journalists and staff continued their work. Attempts by outsiders to obstruct publication while journalists and employees are carrying out their duties are condemnable.
Nepal Republic Media Chairperson Shova Gyawali has objected to the lockout imposed by individuals who are not current employees of Nagarik Daily. “Imposing a lockout on a media house that operates in accordance with Nepal’s laws goes against the spirit and essence of the Constitution. It appears to violate the Constitution and deprive citizens of their right to information,” Chairperson Gyawali said.
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Gyawali further stated that while a few media employees had left their jobs, the company’s request for them to return to work was ignored. “The company has not forcibly dismissed anyone,” she said.
According to Chairperson Gyawali, such actions carried out in the name of the FNJ are condemnable as they also create mental stress among employees currently working at the company. She added that some matters are already under legal process and that the presence of established legal mechanisms to address them makes such unlawful actions in the name of the FNJ all the more concerning.
A team led by FNJ Senior Vice-President Deepak Acharya padlocked the NRM office on Wednesday morning. NRM resumed daily operations after breaking the lock in the presence of the local administration and police personnel. FNJ office-bearers who participated in the lockout included Vice-President Deepak Acharya, Vice-President Nitu Pandit, General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal, Secretary Ramesh Khatiwada, Treasurer Ram Krishna Adhikari and central member Sabita Sharma (Gorkhapatra Daily), among others.
The NRM has stated that the lockout carried out by the FNJ is condemnable, particularly when the organisation is providing remuneration, government-mandated minimum wages and legally mandated benefits.
The NRM further said that despite repeated correspondence with the FNJ to seek solutions regarding agreements reached between the two sides, these efforts were ignored. The NRM further stated that several issues are already undergoing legal resolution.
