The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has given the government a seven-day ultimatum to address the demands related to attacks on journalists and media houses during Friday’s pro-monarchy protests in Tinkune, Kathmandu.

A team of the FNJ’s central committee submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday, calling government for immediate action to provide justice and compensation for the victims.

FNJ demanded compensation for the family of Suresh Rajak, a journalist who tragically lost his life in the violence, as well as for the media houses attacked by the protesters, including Kantipur Television and Annapurna Post.

Rajak died after being trapped in a building that was set on fire during the protests. He was working as a video journalist for Avenues Television.

In addition to compensation, FNJ called for the government to ensure free medical treatment for injured journalists, as well as the reimbursement of damaged or lost media equipment.

A delegation led by FNJ’s acting president Deepak Acharya handed the memorandum to Minister Lekhak.

During the meeting, Minister Lekhak assured the delegation that the government is serious about investigating the issue and will take necessary steps after consultations.

In the wake of the protests, FNJ chapters across the country held demonstrations on Saturday, with journalists wearing black armbands as a mark of protest on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, met family members of Rajak at the prime minister’s official residence at Baluwatar and pledged the government support to the family. He requested Suresh’s wife Sujan Rajak to conduct the funeral rituals.

“The prime minister has assured Sujan of employment and other necessary support,” the prime minister’s secretariat said in a press note issued after the meeting.