Press Union Expresses Concern Over Sunsari Incident, Urges Calm

Kathmandu. The Federation of Nepali Journalists has expressed serious concern over the situation created by the recent events that started from Devangunj in Sunsari and the subsequent developments in various places. The Federation has also reminded that ensuring the security of citizens' lives, property, and fundamental rights is the primary responsibility of the state in such a sensitive situation. It has also urged all political parties, religious communities, civil society, media, and the general public to demonstrate high responsibility and restraint in maintaining social harmony, religious tolerance, and a peaceful environment in the sensitive situation. 'The Federation heartily urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to completely refrain from expressions that promote rumors, hatred, division, and violence, provocative propaganda, and misleading and unverified content disseminated through social media', the statement issued by the acting president of the Federation, Deepak Acharya, stated that the Federation firmly believes that the resolution of any disagreement or dispute is possible not through violence, vandalism, revenge, or malice, but only through the constitution, legal process, dialogue, and democratic methods. The Federation has realized the need for the media sector to play a special role in enhancing social harmony, peace, and public trust by disseminating true, factual, and balanced information, as the role of the media and journalists becomes even more important, responsible, and sensitive in a sensitive situation. 'Therefore, the Federation urges all journalists, media persons, and media outlets to perform their professional duties by fully adhering to high professional conduct, established journalistic norms, and codes of ethics,' the Federation said.