FNJ Sunsari launches protest against Itahari Mayor Paudel

ITAHARI: The Sunsari district chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has launched a protest against Itahari Mayor Hemkarna Paudel following his derogatory remarks toward journalists.

Last Friday, Mayor Paudel alleged via a Facebook post that journalists in Itahari write news stories out of personal need and added that they lack professional integrity. “We know what the news will be a day in advance. They send it to our secretariat first. If they don’t get any personal gain, they publish or broadcast it out of embarrassment. Journalism in Itahari is bizarre.”

The FNJ Sunsari has said that the mayor’s comments were not only insulting to individual journalists but also disparaged the entire profession. It has challenged Paudel to prove his claims, stating that it would take legal action against the journalists if the claims are substantiated.

The FNJ Sunsari submitted a memorandum to Mayor Poudel on Wednesday. The memorandum signed by FNJ Sunsari Chairperson Santosh deems Paudel’s statement an attack on press freedom and the dignity of journalists. “Freedom of the press and expression are pillars of democracy. Someone in a leadership role, like the mayor, should bear greater responsibility in safeguarding these values,” it said.

Receiving the memorandum, Mayor Paudel clarified that his comments were not directed at all journalists but at a few individuals who, he claimed, had caused him personal distress. “It is because of some journalists and some present here today that this current situation exists,” he said, adding, “I did not target the entire media sector. I had to express myself due to harm caused by certain individuals.”

He also said he was saddened that his remarks had hurt journalists as a whole.