Kathmandu, September 25:

The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has expressed concern about the violent activities and the loss of human lives and property in Kapilvastu and other neighbouring districts.

A press release issued by the FNJ today appealed to the government, local administration and the media to focus on establishing mutual harmony in the society and giving priority to trace the people who went missing after the incident, towards rehabilitating the displaced people and providing relief to the victims.

Appealing to the all sides to maintain mutual harmony, strengthen peace and security situation and not to obstruct press freedom, the FNJ stated that though normalcy was returning in the area, complete peace, law and order and good harmony were yet to be established.

It has also expressed concern about the hurdles in functioning of the media and appealed to all the sides not to threaten journalists and let them use their professional freedom.

The statement stressed that free access to journalists would help maintain peace and security in the area.