South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, March 29: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) would have been celebrating its 70th anniversary in a different way today if the 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 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. Talking to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), 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 the press freedom, the assault on entire press.” He dubbed the incident a culture of undemocratic forces. Voicing for bringing 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 agenda. Attacks on the press and journalists hinder the spread and institutionalization of 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 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. —-