Date: October 2, 2026

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has drawn serious attention to the remarks made by Rajiv Khatri, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party, linking the FNJ in a manner that insults the entire journalism sector.

At the House of Representatives meeting on Ashoj 14, Khatri, without understanding the facts, made a threatening remark, asking whether journalists who threaten the Press Council are journalists or goons, and stating that “no one has the right to become a wild bull of Asan in the name of journalism.” Such a threatening statement is unusual. The FNJ considers the remarks by Khatri, who is also a former journalist, that it is objectionable for FNJ leaders to enter the quagmire of political parties and use the language of goonism, to be unbecoming, uncivilized and anarchic.

The FNJ expresses regret over Khatri’s anti-press remarks and urges him to apologize for them.

In view of the announcement by journalists in Bhaktapur that they would boycott the interaction scheduled by Khatri for Friday because of his controversial remarks, there appears to be no alternative but for him to apologize immediately.

Likewise, the FNJ urges the Speaker of the House of Representatives to remove Khatri’s remarks from the parliamentary record.

The FNJ also urges the concerned authorities to bring Khatri, who, disregarding constitutional rights, threatens or insults journalists and the press with an anti-press mindset, within the scope of action.

Ram Prasad Dahal
General Secretary