The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has termed the arrest of Khem Bhandari, editor of the 'Dainik Manaskhanda' a vernacular daily published from Kanchanpur, and executive editor G Bhatta from the paper's offices on the charge of public offence in contravention of the freedom of the press and expression.

A press release issued by FNJ general secretary Ujir Magar on Saturday states that the government has turned to autocratic ways by arresting the editor and the executive editor leading to the closure of the newspaper and full curtailment of the independent press.

The Kanchanpur District Police arrested the two editors today reportedly for investigation.

Meanwhile, the FNJ, Kanchanpur chapter has also expressed its concern over the arrest of journalists just for writing the news, seeking their immediate release.

All journalists based in Kanchanpur have decided to organize protest programmes including sit-in at the bodies concerned until the two journalists are released. RSS