Here is the English translation of the press release:

Date:  April 30, 2026 

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has taken serious note of the incident where journalists were threatened with physical assault by individuals involved in riverbed excavation activities.

According to the FNJ Morang Branch, journalists Dumarlal Mehta, Mohan Dhakal, Santosh Mehta, Nagendra Khadka, Prabesh Timsina, Brahmadev Mahato, and Dipendra Kumar Sah were threatened with death if they returned to the site. The incident occurred on April 28 (Baisakh 15) while they were collecting news regarding excavation activities at the Lohandra River in Gramthan Rural Municipality-4, Morang.

The Branch further stated that the Chairperson of the Rural Municipality, Namonarayan Majhi, also intimidated the journalists.

Adopting such a style against journalists for performing their duty of informing the public on matters of public concern is extremely reprehensible and an intervention in the freedom of the press.

The Federation demands that those issuing death threats against journalists be brought to justice. We urge the relevant authorities to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future and to create a safe and unhindered environment for journalism.

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Ram Prasad Dahal

General Secretary