PANCHTHAR: Local administration, by deploying security personnel, have obstructed demonstrations carried out by journalists in Panchthar district.

Police obstructed the journalists -- led by Nepal Press Union, Panchthar Chapter -- who had arrived at the premises of District Administration Office (DAO) to stage a protest against the media council bill, recently presented in the parliament.

After being obstructed by security personnel, the group of journalists gathered into a corner meet near the DAO premises. The corner meet was addressed by province members of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Bipendra Gautam, Ganesh Sampang and FNJ district president Lava Dev Dhungana, along with the Union's district president Bhim Kumar Banskota.

During the address, speakers warned that the protests would not cease until the government that boasts two-third majority, retrieves the newly registered media council bill.

They further stated that deploying security personnel to try and control mediapersons reflected an undemocratic characteristic of the government and local administration.

The rally of journalists had started from the office of Nepal Press Union near Loktantra Chok in the district headquarters before reaching the DAO.