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The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has formed a seven-member team to probe the killing of a journalist and attack on media houses during a demonstration at Tinkune, Kathmandu on Friday.

The seven-member study team has been formed under the coordination of FNJ Vice Chair Umid Bagchand. Decision to this was taken by the central committee meeting of the FNJ attended by the office bearers and central members available in the federal capital. 

The team comprises the members as Ramesh Khatiwada, Prakash Dhaulakoti, Soni Sharma, Ashok Tiwari, Baikuntha Parajuli and Sabi Priyasan.

Coordinator Bagchand said that the team was visiting the media houses today itself. It would discuss with victims, witnesses, fellow media persons and families of the victim journalists. The probe team will prepare a report on how the incidents occurred, and how the FNJ would take these incidents, furnishing necessary suggestions. 

The supporters of former-king had a demonstration at Tinkune on Friday, which later turned into violent mob, setting on fire the nearby private buildings and damaging the structures. 

The photojournalist Suresh Rajak lost his life while he was covering the protest from a building which was set on fire by the protestors. The demonstrators also attacked the offices of Kantipur Television, and the Annapurna Post daily.

FNJ decries atrocities on media

Kathmandu, March 29: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) would have been celebrating its 70th anniversary in a different way today if Friday's demonstration by the supporters of the ex-king had not turned violent, causing human casualties and damaging property.

But the shock wave ran high among the media fraternity with the death of an on-duty photo journalist Suresh Rajak in the fire set on a private building at Tinkune, Kathmandu on Friday. Rajak, 29, was associated with the Avenues Television. He was taking photos and videos from the building near Tinkune, where the demonstration was held.

As a result, the agitated and grief-stricken FNJ had to cancel the schedules of a rally, health camps and other official events to mark its 70th establishment day, but to organize a mourning gathering protesting the killing of journalist Rajak at Maitighar Mandal. 

A large number of journalists gathered at Maitighar early this morning, paid tributes to Rajak and condemned attacks on media houses. 

FNJ Central General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal said, "It is highly deplorable that the journalist met with a situation to die in a planned fire. The FNJ decries it. We conclude that it is gross and condemnable, against press freedom, the assault on the entire press." 

He dubbed the incident a culture of undemocratic forces. 

Voicing the need to bring those responsible for the inhumane incident to justice, Dahal said the FNJ will be meeting the authorities very soon with its demand in writing on the case.  "The safety of media persons is the first priority of FNJ and it will be making no compromise on it." 

FNJ Secretary Soni Sharma expressed her dismay, stating that it was heartbreaking that the so-called pro-monarch demonstration on Friday resulted in the death of journalist Rajak. "We demand an end to all forms of threats against the media and journalists with full guarantees for press freedom, freedom of opinion, and justice to the slain journalist," she said. Sharma stressed that journalists deserve a safe environment to report without fear or any threats.

Journalist Choodamani Koirala blamed both the State and the so-called leaders of the demonstration for Rajak’s tragic death. "Journalists are often the first targets in any protest linked to any 'ism,' and yesterday's event is a testament to that culture," he said.

Journalist Archana Jha called it an 'intentional killing' and demanded that such an incident won't reoccur under any circumstances.

Former FNJ Chair Bipul Pokhrel, who visited the site to express solidarity, stated that the media is often targeted by those aspiring for political power. "This is a global and common challenge for media and journalists," he said. 

Pokhrel expressed his shock over the Friday incident, remarking that there are basic norms and standards for organizing protests, but the demonstration on Friday deviated from these. "The supremacy of press freedom is crucial even during the movements and agitations for the socialization of the agenda. Attacks on the press and journalists hinder the spread and institutionalization of the agenda  of any protest, agitation or movement," he added.

FNJ Central Member Manuka Kunwar argued that it would be still less how much we protest the killing of a journalist. "It is also the State's failure to ensure the safe rescue of a journalist trapped in the fire," she said. Kunwar added that until the State fails to own up  responsibility for the safety of journalists, their physical and professional security will remain at risk.

FNJ Corporate Province Secretary Ramesh Tamata stated, "When politics is driven by self-interest and the greed for power, the truth is suppressed, and journalists, who are responsible for revealing the truth, become the first targets of such protests. History supports this assertion."

In addition to the killing of Rajak, demonstrators also vandalized the Annapurna Media Group building at Tinkune, set it on fire, attempted a forced entry into the Kantipur Television building, and threw stones, causing terror in the newsroom. A vehicle owned by Himalayan Television was also damaged.

The FNJ is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting today to determine further protest actions and meet with the line minister.

The Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce (FNCCI) and the Federation of Nepali Industry and Entrepreneurship have condemned the violent incidents perpetrated at Tinkune on Friday, and demanded proper compensation for the damages caused.

Releasing separate press statements, both business entities demanded stringent action against those involved in the violence. Although everyone has the right to organize and participate in peaceful demonstrations with demands, they must not violate the rights of citizens and industrialists to carry on their business. 

The business entities said their attention was drawn seriously towards the attack on private and public property, looting and arson.

 "The loot, arson and attack on private property and loss of human life are condemnable," the FNCCI wrote. 

Similarly, another Federation appealed to all sides concerned to create a free and fair atmosphere to run business. The criminal activities orchestrated at Tinkune and Koteshwor area on Friday are deplorable, it added. 

The business entities must not be damaged and nor the industrialists attacked, they said, reminding that such activities dent the national economy. 

Both of them demanded the government that it took stringent action against those involved in the crime. Similarly, the Federation urged all industrialists and entrepreneurs to stand together for protect and strengthen the republic.

Tributes have been paid to photo journalist Suresh Rajak, who died in the violent protests of pro-monarchy supporters in Tinkune of Kathmandu on Friday.

A demonstration was held at Maitighar this morning under the leadership of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, calling for an investigation to find the truth about the unfortunate death of journalist Rajak and strict action against the culprits.

Rajak, a camera person for Avenues Television, was found burnt inside a building that was allegedly set on fire by the protestors in Teenkune.

At the program, Federation of Nepali Journalists Acting President Deepak Acharya expressed the commitment that the Federation will work to bring justice to the deceased journalist Rajak. He also stressed that all journalists should unite to protect the lives and property of journalists. 

Former presidents of the Federation Taranath Dahal, Dharmendra Jha, Shiva Gaunle, and others were present at the protest along with other journalists who demanded justice for journalist Rajak and compensation for the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, all the programs scheduled to be held to mark the FNJ's Establishment Day have been postponed and the protest has been launched, said Ram Krishna Adhikari, the central treasurer of the Federation.

Accordingly, the Federation will hold an emergency meeting of its central members today to decide on further programs and meet the Minister of Communications and Information Technology to submit a memorandum.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has condemned the physical attack on Annapurna Media Network by pro-monarchy protesters.

Home Minister Lekhak, accompanied by Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Inspector General of Nepal Police Deepak Thapa, and Inspector General of Armed Police Raju Aryal, inspected the office of Annapurna Post in Tinkune on Saturday morning.

Pro-monarchy supporters vandalized the office of Annapurna Media Network during a protest in Tinkune on Friday.

The protesters had also attempted to set fire the office of Annapurna Media Network.

After taking stock of the incident, Home Minister Lekhak said that the attack on the media house was condemnable and that anyone involved in the incident would be brought to justice.

Inspector General of Nepal Police Thapa said the physical attack on Annapurna Media Network was condemnable.

Annapurna Media Network General Manager Manoj Basnet informed the team, including Home Minister Lekhak, about the incident.

The Kathmandu District Administration Office has lifted a curfew in the Tinkune-Baneshwor area.

The order initially imposed from 4:25 pm to 10 pm was later extended to 7 am until Saturday following the clash and vandalism that ensued as a result of the protest and demonstration held by pro-monarchists.

The order was imposed as per Section (6) a of the Local Administration Act, 2028 BS, said Kathmandu Chief District Officer Rishiram Tiwari.

The curfew order was issued in the late afternoon to be effective from Old Baneshwor to Tinkune area, from Gaushala to the airport, Gairigaun, Tinkune to Koteshwor, from Koteshwor to Jadibuti Bridge, from Koteshwor to Balkumari Bridge, from Baneshwor Chowk to Shankhamul Bridge, from Gaushala Chowk to Old Baneshwor to Naya Baneshwor Chowk.

Two persons died and 45 others were injured in clashes between pro-monarchy protesters and security personnel on Friday.

Adrian Pokharel, a leader of the US Democratic Party, has strongly condemned the recent vandalism and arson attempt at Annapurna Media Network.

Expressing concern over the violent attack, Pokharel called on the international community to take the incident seriously.

He emphasized that such acts of terrorism against the press must not be ignored.

Pokharel, who previously ran as a candidate for Virginia’s 10th congressional district, stressed the importance of safeguarding media freedom.

During a pro-monarchy protest in Tinkune on Friday, demonstrators vandalized the office of AMN. The protesters also attempted to set fire to the media house.

The Nepal Army has been deployed to stop the chaos, arson, and looting being spread in the name of royalists.

According to a military source, Nepal Army personnel have been deployed to control chaos, looting, and arson spread by the pro-monarchy supporters in the Tinkune area today.

Nepal Army has deployed its personnel and vehicles in various parts of Kathmandu to take the situation under control.

The pro-monarchy protesters hurled stones and attempted to set fire the office of Annapurna's Media Network.