POKHARA: Mediapersons in Pokhara have today carried out a demonstration demanding the withdrawal of provisions in Media Council Bill that compromise freedom of press and expression.

In the protest led by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Gandaki Province Committee, demonstrators formed a human chain at Mahendrapul in the metropolis, Saturday morning. Mediapersons across the country have been carrying out peaceful protests against the bill in an attempt to protect press freedom, but to no avail.

The rally that began from Chipledhunga reached Mahendrapul before converging into a protest meet. Speaking at the programme, senior journalist Narayan Karki said that the government was trying to hold down press freedom by introducing various laws even though the constitution guarantees complete press freedom.

Likewise, Chair of Gandaki Province Committee of FNJ, Tribhuvan Poudel, stated that mediapersons nationwide would be forced to continue their protests until the government withdraws the Media Council Bill.

The protesting journalists at today's meet gave out a general message that all mediapersons should unite for the protection of press freedom.