Pokhara, March 31:

Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) president Bishnu Nisthuri today expressed concern about Maoist chief Prachanda’s statement that news disseminated by journalists are influenced by the funds received from foreigners.

Speaking at a workshop on Constituent Assembly election and Media, organised in Pokhara, Nisthuri said: “Prachanda’s statement is a threat to the free press.”

The press has played a vital role for bringing Maoist chairman Prachanda to the present position and his allegations against the press are a disrespect towards the contribution of the press,” he said.

“Any act of rebuking the press will boomerang,” Nisthuri said while urging everyone against making such irresponsible statements against the press.

“The Federation of Nepalese Journalists will fight strongly against any attack on the press freedom,” he said.

He also said that the journalists should work in an accountable manner keeping in view the upcoming April 10 election to constituent assembly.

FNJ vice president Gangadhar Parajuli and president of Kaski district chapter of FNJ Narayan Karki, among others, also expressed their views on the occasion.