KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) today demonstrated in front of District Administration Offices across the country, demanding stringent action against the assailants of journalist Tika Bista.

The Rukum correspondent of the Rajdhani daily, Bista was brutally attacked by masked men near her home on Tuesday. Critically injured Bista, who was airlifted yesterday, is undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Model Hospital.

The protest was organised from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. "Our protest is against the attack on press freedom and for security of journalists working throughout the country," said Poshan KC, FNJ general secretary. "We want legal action against the criminals."

A number of other organisations, issuing press statements, condemned the assault on the journalist. South Asian Women in Media, SAFMA Nepal, Association of Nepalese Indigenous/Nationalities Journalists, Revolutionary Journalists' Association Nepal and Khas Kshetry Ekata Samaj denounced the attack on the female journalist, criticising the government for failing to provide security to journalists.

SAWM has expressed shock and awe at the heinous act. Wishing speedy recovery for Bista, it has demanded that the government probe into the case and book the culprits.

Meanwhile, the FNJ has submitted signatures, collected over the last two weeks, to CA chairman Subas Chandra Nembang for writing the constitution on time.