Editor at Bhaktapurtimes.com.np Harisundar Chhunka was verbally abused on December 16 in Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province.
Editor Chhunka shared with Freedom Forum that around 6:10 pm on the Tathali- Nala highway, he noticed a motorbike following him. “They suddenly shouted at me using abusive language. They threatened, saying- When others don’t care, why are you so interested in writing news and taking photos and videos? Be careful! You are being smarter these days. Then, they went away,” he said.
“I stopped my bike and tried to call my colleague, but I could not and I even did not note the bike number. My whole body was stiff. I didnot share the incident with my family too,” Chhunka added.
Despite the threats, Chhunka published another video recorded on April 2, 2025 on social media the following day. He has been actively covering news on soil excavation and exploitation at various locations in Bhaktapur. On December 15, he published news on illegal soil excavation behind a community school and the Kathmandu Cancer Center in Tathali, Bhaktapur in presence of Changunarayan Municipality representative.
Chhunka added that he will continue reporting on issues of public concern based on facts, regardless of threats.
Freedom Forum condemns threats issued to journalist. The concerned people should go to Press Council Nepal for any dissatisfaction about news and register a complaint. FF strongly urges the security authority to ensure security of the journalist to avoid any untoward incident.
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