KATHMANDU: The Indian Journalist Union (IJU) and the Nepal Press Union on Thursday signed a seven point agreement to resolve the plights of journalists and safeguard the freedom of journalism in both countries.
The historic moment took place during the Indian Journalists Meet Nepalese Journalists programme at Bijulibazar, Kathmandu, Nepal on Thursday. IJU president Geetartha Pathak and Nepal Press Union president Siva Lamsal were the signatories of the seven point agreement.
During the programme, the Nepal Press Union also felicitated the journalist team from Manipur comprising of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), the Directorate of Information and Public relations (DIPR) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) visiting Nepal on a journalist exposure trip for seven days.
Chief Minister N Biren flagged off the journalists exposure trip from Manipur on March 25, 2023.
Read: CM Biren flags off AMWJU team
Speaking on the occasion, IJU president Geetartha Pathak asserted that rights of journalists are infringed on a daily basis in both countries. Cases of intimidation and obstruction of journalistic duties are increasing in both countries, he added.
He exhorted journalists of both countries to collectively strive in ushering the freedom on which the principles and ethics of journalism were firmly laid.
Meanwhile, president of Nepal Press Union Siva Lamsal wished the joint venture of Indian and Nepalese journalists will open new grounds for journalism in India and Nepal.
Some of the points included in the agreement are- to peacefully resolve any issue which impacts the demography of both countries, to organise regular journalist exposure group tour between the two countries to strengthen information circulation and to collectively to strive in preserving the culture, history and heritage of both countries among others.
AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai, senior journalist of Nepal Damudar Prasad Dawadi, DIPR deputy director T Ramesh and Impact TV editor Raj Nongthombam and other journalist were present during the event.
