The Kantipur chapter of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has drawn the attention of stakeholders to the involvement of a central leader of a political party in the protests staged at Kantipur Publications.

Anil Giri, president of the chapter, in a statement on Wednesday, said holding a protest involving a central leader of a political party is an insult to journalism and the federation as well.

“At a time when the federation is running a campaign to purge unprofessional members from the organisation, its senior office-bearers have involved a central leader of a political party under their banner. We are confident that it will draw the attention of all concerned”, the statement said.

Objecting to questions raised over the functioning of the chapter, Giri stressed that the Kantipur chapter is a body of professional journalists democratically elected following the statute of the Federation.

“Earlier, the federation expressed its solidarity with the 12-point demand forwarded by the chapter to the Kantipur management. We are saddened that the federation has undermined the agreement reached between the chapter and the management” said Giri.

The chapter said that it always favours working journalists and is determined in its mission.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Media Society has remarked that the goal of the protest launched against the Kantipur Publications by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists even after the announcement of a financial package for journalists was unclear.

The society issued a statement on Wednesday and drew the attention of the federation not to engage in unprofessional activities. “We sincerely request the responsible leadership of the Federation of Nepali Journalists not to engage in such activities,” read the statement.

The society stressed that everyone is free to seek legal remedy if they are not satisfied with any steps taken by the Kantipur management.