Chaitra 18, Kathmandu. The Federation of Nepali Journalists, which is protesting against the attacks on the media and media personnel during the violent protests in Tinkune, has submitted a letter of appeal to the government on Saturday.
The Federation's central committee submitted a letter of appeal to the federal government's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, the provincial committees to the Chief Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs, and the branches through the Chief District Officers of the respective districts on Monday, informed the Federation's General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal.
The Federation has warned the government to protest against the government after a week if justice is not served to the deceased journalist and compensation to his family, compensation to the media houses damaged by arson and stone-pelting, treatment of the injured journalists, compensation for damaged and lost media equipment, and security of media houses and media personnel is not guaranteed.
The letter of appeal has demanded an investigation into the incident of journalist Suresh Rajak, who died in a fire, immediate action against the culprits and compensation to his family, compensation to Annapurna Post, Kantipur Television, Himalayan Television, which were damaged, and compensation and free treatment for the injured journalists.
Similarly, the Federation has demanded legal action against those involved in past incidents of press freedom violations and proper arrangements for the security of media houses and media personnel.
General Secretary Dahal said that the Federation will protest against the government if these demands are not addressed appropriately.
A delegation led by acting president of the Federation, Deepak Acharya, submitted a letter of appeal to Home Minister Lekhak. Acharya requested him to address the Federation's demands, while Home Minister Lekhak informed that the government is serious about the demands and a decision will be taken after necessary consultations. Similarly, the Federation's team has met and discussed with the family and relatives of the slain journalist Rajak.
