KATHMANDU: On the occasion of World Press Day, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav today underscored the importance of free press for democracy to flourish.

Inaugurating a function organised by Federation of Nepali journalists, President Yadav said, “Democracy can be safeguarded and strengthened through independent and responsible media. Hence journalists should be able to work in an environment free from fear, pressure and harassment.”

Claiming that the political transition has not always been media-friendly, he emphasised on the need to protect journalists from the attack of criminal groups.

Speaking at the same programme, CPN-UML chairman, Jhala Nath Khanal, said democracy and press freedom would be rewarded only if the task of leading the peace process to a logical end, restructuring of the nation and writing of the new constitution were completed on time.

Richard Bennet, representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (UNHCR-Nepal), expressed his serious concern over the ongoing killing of Nepali journalists at a time when the conflict had already ended. He said press freedom would bring sustainable peace and stability in the nation.