Nepali journalists’ federation president accuses government of authoritarian tendencies

Biratnagar – Nirmala Sharma, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, has accused the government of leaning towards authoritarian tendencies. Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Morang, President Sharma emphasized the need for the government to rectify the process of distributing official advertisements.

President Sharma expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to advertisement distribution, stating that protests would continue until the government revises its decision. She accused the government of becoming authoritarian and attempting to control the media.

She warned that even a government with nearly a two-thirds majority could pose a threat to democracy. Sharma urged journalists to unite and join the protest against the government’s decisions.

In the same event, Rabin Kumar Dahal, Vice President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Koshi Province, and Chairman of Desh Sanchar, stressed the need for journalists to continuously question irregularities and anarchy. Dahal remarked, “Recently, both the media and the private sector have been operating in an atmosphere of fear. Previously, it was about listening and then silencing, but now the government is focused on silencing before listening.”

Dahal noted the collaboration between industrialists, traders, and journalists, emphasizing that journalists should not forget to question. He stated that journalism should act as a watchdog, highlighting both positive and negative issues.

During the program, Dr. Ram Chandra Adhikari, a member of the federation who recently completed his PhD, Deepak Phuyal, who has been continuously working in the branch for 29 years, and Neuro Hospital were honored. A signature campaign against the government’s decision was also conducted.

The event saw the participation of Yubaraj Kattel, Chief District Officer of Morang, Nagesh Koirala, Mayor of Biratnagar Metropolitan City, and former presidents of the federation.