Nation unsafe for journalists‚ says Gaunle

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

MAHENDRANAGAR: Federation of Nepali Journalist chairperson Shiva Gaunle today expressed concern over the government’s failure to create favourable environment for press freedom.

Speaking at an interaction programme, ‘Media Support Forum’, Gaunle said of late interference in the functioning of press has been increasing. “Democracy could not be secured in such a country, where journalists themselves feel insecure,” he added.

There has always been pressure on the Nepali media. Journalists find it difficult to dig out the information in details. Gaunle went on to say that in the process mediapersons get threatening calls and at times physically attacked for executing their duties.

“The major reason behind all this is the country’s situation,” he lamented. He pointed that journalists have been compelled to work under threat and have to endure the unnecessary sufferings.

“We fought for democracy in the hope of establishing free Press, but the situation is no different from the past, when journalists were targeted,” Gaunle said. Whenever the country passes through lawless situation it was the Press that has always been the first victim of the dictators, he added.

On the disappearance of Kanchanpur-based journalist Prakash Thakuri who was kidnapped, Gaunle said that they would continue to fight the case till they get justice. A radio documentary made by the Equal Access on Thakuri was shown during the programme.

Expressing concern over the existing situation in the country, Gaunle said, “The only alternative to the present instability is political consensus among all parties. The government should find solution of all thorny issues and hold elections on time.”