Kathmandu, March 29:

CA chairperson Subas Chandra Nembang emphasised the need to immediately end impunity and the increasing attacks on journalists for press freedom to flourish in the nation.

Addressing the inaugural session of the national conference on press freedom to mark the 54th anniversary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists in the capital today, Nembang also expressed commitment to make efforts to create a safer environment for mediapersons. Earlier a rally was also organised to mark the anniversary, which started from Bhrikuti Mandap and converged into a meeting at Nachghar in Jamal.

On the occasion, Minister for Information and Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara said it was not as easy as expected to solve the problems facing the media sector. Clarifying that the government had not been attempting to act against press freedom, Mahara called on all journalists to rise above petty interests while disseminating information. Meanwhile, former FNJ president Taranath Dahal accused the government of plotting to curb press freedom and freedom of expression.

On the occasion, Kumar Yadav and Babita Basnet were jointly awarded the Shreedhar Acharya Rastriya Patrakarita Puraskar, while Kailali branch of FNJ bagged the Best Branch Award.