The murder of a woman journalist Uma Singh in Janakpur has shocked everyone, media persons in particular, all over Nepal. It cannot be called an isolated incident as the journalists are increasingly coming under physical assault, some of them fatally, when the government regularly reiterates that steps are on for upgrading the law and order situation in the country. The latest barbaric incident has come on the heels of the attack on Himalmedia that received exclusive coverage. The culprits, as reports go, either remain untraced or, in the case of the Terai, allegedly belong to various armed groups, and prove “elusive” for the law enforcement agency. Targetting the journalists could be the work of those with vested

interests. This is very unfortunate when assurances of security should have already been translated into action.

When the talk is of the law and order situation, it is not only the journalists who are concerned but also the people from every walk of life. When a journalist or someone who matters in the society comes under fatal attack, it becomes headline news which obviously highlights the incident. At present, the political tug of war, lax security arrangements, impunity and so on have given the criminals a free playground while the government watches helplessly, despite caustic criticisms for its inaction. But, consolation cannot come from assurances; the only guarantee is tangible and relevant safeguards.