Journalists of Koshi province staged a dharna on Thursday, demanding to correct some controversial provisions of the 'Bill to regulate state mass media' brought by the state government. Under the leadership of Nepal Journalist Federation Koshi Pradesh Committee, a dharna was held in front of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers office in Biratnagar.

According to the federation, journalists have staged sit-ins in front of the district administration office in other 13 districts of the province. Journalists' organizations have objected to the bill saying that there are provisions that interfere with the freedom of the press. Bharat Khadka, president of the Federation of Journalists, warned that the agitation will continue until the bill is amended. Stakeholders have expressed their displeasure in Article 27, which prohibits broadcasting by the government, provides judicial powers to the press registrar, criminalizes violations of the professional code of conduct, and imposes a fine of up to one and a half lakh rupees.