Pokhara, January 7:

Participants at a programme held yesterday said most of the local newspapers will be closed if the salary proposed by the Salary Determination Committee is indeed paid.

Speaking at the second district convention of the Mechi-Mahalaki Media Society yesterday, journalist Narayan Karki said: "The government should support local newspapers by giving advertisement to them."

Central president of the society Madhav Sharma accused the government of not supporting local newspapers and the journalists working there. Sharma said he will raise voice to secure the rights of local journalists.

Journalist Rabindra Bastola demanded that the government impart training

to journalists. The convention concluded yesterday, forming a working committee having the tenure of three years.