In an interaction organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists in Morang, security agencies, human rights activists, and media personnel pointed out the need for responsible journalism, collaboration, and unity.
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Stakeholders have said that the country is currently in a sensitive situation and that the issue of peace and security has become more challenging as the elections approach.
In an interaction organized by the Free Media Network at the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Morang on Wednesday, security agencies, human rights activists and media persons have pointed out the need for responsible journalism, cooperation and unity.
Morang Assistant Chief District Officer Saroj Koirala said that cooperation, belonging and unity are essential in the current situation. Noting that there is a situation of fluidity, he said that incidents such as about 9,000 prisoners escaping and police weapons and uniforms being looted have increased the security challenge. Stating that the media should play a role in the issue of peace and security, he believed that it is also the responsibility of the journalist community to provide a sense of security. He added, 'The election is approaching, the role of the media community remains important at such a time.'
DSP Kopila Chudal, spokesperson of the District Police Office, Morang, said that the role of the media and journalists is important at sensitive times and that the role of journalists is important in conducting the upcoming elections in a safe manner. She expressed the view that cooperation between security agencies and the media is indispensable.
Human rights activist Geetanjali Sharma stressed that reporting should include the views of both the victim and the perpetrator, and said that how to identify fake and real news has become a challenge for both journalists and readers.
Senior journalist Yagya Sharma said that social media is now more effective than mainstream media, and that it has put mainstream media in a challenging situation. However, she said that it is necessary to strengthen the mainstream media as it is still responsible and trustworthy.
Another human rights activist Bishnu Sharma said that social media is encouraging negative and false information, depriving the general public of correct and truthful information. She mentioned that distinguishing between correct and incorrect journalism is the need of the day.
In the interaction, representatives of International Alert, Pratishtha Thapa and Rabina Shrestha, and President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Morang, Sushila Pathak, among others, expressed the view that only responsible journalism, fact-based news, and cooperation with security agencies can address the current challenges.
