I Singh Rokaya, a reporter with the Bulbule FM of Surkhet, a district in the mid-western region of Nepal, was injured in police firing in a demonstration on August 10.
According to fellow reporter with the Bulbule FM, Tekendra Bishwokarma, reporter Rokaya was deputed to report people's protest in the market place of Surkhet. He received gunshot during police firing to control the hysteric demonstration. Injured in leg, Rokaya was referred to neigbouring Nepalgunj city for treatment, he added.
People were demonstrating in the market place, blaming the political parties that they divided the existing region for the proposed six provinces in the federal setup of the country.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident. It is the violation of journalist's right to free reporting. FF therefore strongly urges the security agency to maintain restraint while using force to tame the mob.
Similarly, on the reporters' part, they can sport their press jacket and ID card, so that they can escape easy target of the security action during protest.
Also, FF wishes speedy recovery to the injured journalist Rokaya.
For More Information
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Post Box No: 24292
Phone No. 4102030, 4102022
Website: www.nepalpressfreedom.org; www.freedomforum.org.np
Email: monitoring@freedomforum.org.np; info@freedomforum.org.np;