KATHMANDU, March 29: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has announced a nationwide protest, demanding action against those involved in the murder of journalist Suresh Rajak. The FNJ claimed that Rajak was killed while on duty in a premeditated arson attack. It has called for an investigation into the incident, punishment for the perpetrators, and relief for the victim's family.
The central committee of the FNJ held an emergency meeting on Saturday morning and announced an additional three days of protest programs starting Sunday, opposing the planned murder of the journalist, attacks, and assaults on the media by the pro-monarchy forces.
FNJ take to streets in protest against murder of a journalist (...
The FNJ has formed a seven-member study committee, led by Vice President Umid Bagchand, to investigate the murder of the journalist and the attacks on the media that occurred on Friday. The committee includes central committee secretaries Ramesh Khatiwada, Prakash Dhoulakoti, Soni Sharma, Ashok Tiwari, Baikuntha Parajuli, and Sabin Priyasan. In protest of the incident, the FNJ has called on journalists nationwide to wear black armbands and work on Sunday.
According to General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal, the FNJ will send a memorandum to the Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak through its provincial committees on Monday, while the district chapters will send a similar memorandum to the Chief District Officer.
Dahal added that the federation will hold discussions with media house editors and leaders of relevant unions and associations on Tuesday regarding the Tinkune incident.
On Saturday, the FNJ decided to visit the affected media houses for on-site observation and inspection. They have also planned to engage with victims, eyewitnesses, and the families of those affected. Additionally, the FNJ decided to draw attention to providing relief, compensation, and service benefits for the family of journalist Rajak, who was working at the media institution.