Tinkune incident: Press Union issues 7-day ultimatum to govt.
The Union has warned of escalating protests against the government if these issues are not addressed within a week.
KATHMANDU: The Nepal Press Union has submitted a memorandum to the government on Saturday, condemning the attacks on media and journalists during the violent protests in Tinkune.
The central committee of the Union submitted the memorandum to the federal government through Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, the provincial committees to the Chief Ministers and Internal Affairs Ministers, and the branch offices via the respective District Chiefs, as informed by NPU General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal.
The Union has demanded justice for the deceased journalist, compensation for their family, compensation for media houses damaged by arson and stone-pelting, medical treatment for injured journalists, compensation for damaged or lost media equipment, and a guarantee of safety for both media houses and journalists.
The Union has warned of escalating protests against the government if these issues are not addressed within a week.
The memorandum also calls for an immediate investigation into the death of journalist Suresh Rajak, who lost his life in the fire, and the punishment of those responsible.
It further demands compensation for the families of the deceased, compensation for the media houses such as Annapurna Post, Kantipur Television, and Himalayan Television that suffered damages, and free medical treatment for injured journalists.
In addition, the Union is calling for legal action against those involved in past violations of press freedom and the establishment of adequate security measures for media houses and journalists.
If the government fails to address these concerns appropriately, the Union has threatened to initiate protests, as stated by General Secretary Dahal.
A delegation led by the Union’s Acting Chair, Deepak Acharya, handed over the memorandum to Home Minister Lekhak.
Acharya requested the government to address the Union’s demands, and in response, Minister Lekhak assured that the government is serious about the issue and decisions will be made after necessary consultations.
The Union also met with the family and relatives of the late journalist Rajak for a discussion.
