Oct 31, Kathmandu - Journalists in Janakpurdham have staged a protest against police crackdowns on media outlets and the arrest of journalists.

Following a circular from the Central Committee of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), the organization's district chapters held protest demonstrations; in Janakpurdham, journalists conducted a silent protest while carrying placards. Participants stated that the police entering media offices to conduct raids and arrest journalists exerts pressure on independent journalism. One protester remarked that the police’s sudden arrival at media outlets to carry out such actions appears to be a deliberate attempt to intimidate the journalistic community. He argued that such raids—conducted directly at media offices—are unacceptable, especially given that journalists could have easily been summoned if there was a need for questioning or discussion. He noted that professionals like journalists, who are responsible and aware, would certainly comply if asked to appear for routine questioning; therefore, such measures by the state are entirely inappropriate. He further asserted that similar attempts by the state over the past eight to ten decades have failed, and they will not succeed now either.

The Federation has announced that it will continue to organize phased protests against the crackdowns on media outlets and the arrests of journalists. A representative of the Federation stated that, in accordance with the Central Committee's directives, district chapters across the country are preparing to carry out further protest activities.