Senior journalist Maniraj Upadhyay died of a heart attack on Wednesday night. He was 94. Upadhyay also served as former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists. 

Meanwhile, the body of Upadhyay was cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat on Thursday morning. 

A condolence meeting was also held at the Aryaghat. Speaking at the meeting, Minister for Information and Communications Surendra Kumar Karki remembered Upadhyay as a practitioner of awareness and information. He also praised him as having played a role in championing press freedom and independency. 

Likewise, Rastriya Prajatantra Party chairman Kamal Thapa remembered Upadhyay as a one pursuing journalism despite difficulties. 

Former President of the FNJ Harihar Birahi said Upadhyay did not compromise on sovereignty and national interest. 

Also, FNJ President Dr Mahendra Bista laid the FNJ flag over Upadhyay's body and announced that the FNJ would not hold any formal programme for three consecutive days to pay its respect to Upadhyay. RSS