Lahan, Feb. 25 : Chairman of the National Assembly Dr. Mohammad Mohsin has expressed the view that it will be helpful for the development of the country if investigative journalism is given emphasis by journalists without reposing faith in only one political principle.

Dr. Mohsin made this remark while inaugurating a one-day national convention of the presidents, secretaries and treasurers of the district branches, sub branches and organisations associated with the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (fnj) organised by the fnj central working committee here  today.

He said  that the journalists had to raise their voice against corruption of political figures and parties, adding that journalists have an important contribution  to make in the promotion of democracy and its stability in the country.

Chairman Dr. Mohsin also stressed the need for all political parties to unite for the development of the country as economic development alone can make democracy strong and sustainable.

The problems of corruption, indiscipline and political violence cannot be resolved only   by one political party,  he said, adding that only national consensus based on participation can resolve these problems.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Information and Communication Ram Chandra Paudel, in a   message, wished the national convention success.

Mr Paudel said as the press has the responsibility of generating public opinion for preservation of the present constitution , it has to play its role accordingly.

A clear presentation of the overall aspects of development can be expected only from a disciplined press, he added.

The present government has a positive attitude for extending all possible cooperation for the institutional development of  the press sector, he further added.

The Prime Minister’s press advisor and former fnj president Kishor Nepal,  wishing the convention success on behalf of the Prime Minister, said the journalists have a important role to play in improving the politics of the country.

From the chair, fnj central president Suresh Acharya said the Federation is concerned with the preservation of the freedom of expression and the right to information, adding that the convention will play an important role in working out  a strategy for the Federation.

Fnj general secretary Taranath Dahal said the convention was organised to formulate future programmes and policies of the fnj  and added that the federation has initiated works for the development of the journalism sector.

On the occasion, eastern regional fnj vice president Kaushal Chemjong, Siraha ddc vice chairman Lilanath Shrestha, mayor of Lahan municipality Muni Saha and president of Siraha district fnj bijaya Prasad Mishra also wished for the success of the convention.

Altogether 76 journalists from  all over the kingdom  are  participating in the national convention.

Meanwhile, in Butwal, a day-long interaction programme on ‘Fagun 7 and  Freedom of Expression’ was organised here yesterday by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists on the occasion of the 50th National Democracy Day.

On the occasion, judge of the Appellate Court Butwal Kalyan Shrestha said freedom of expression is the measuring rod and true definition of democracy.

Mp ram Chandra Bhattarai said it is not proper that there should be freedom only for the Ranas during the Rana regime, only for the Panchas under the Panchayat system and only for supporters of the multiparty system in a multiparty democracy.

Professor Dil Sahani said there is suppression of the press even though the constitution clearly mentions  press freedom.

Former mayor of Butwal municipality Ram Prasad Khanal said freedom of expression is possible only in democracy.

Chairman of the progressive journalists forum Bal Krishna Chapagain said politicians have devalued themselves in the aftermath of the restoration of democracy.

Chairman of the Appellate Court Butwal unit Ben Bahadur Poudel said the constitution of Nepal is not complete and an assessment should be made of the freedoms gained.

President of the fnj Nawalparasi Krishna Bahadur Karki said freedom tends to be in favour of whoever makes the laws.

At the programme presided over by fnj branch president Binod Pahadi, various other speakers including social worker Ganesh Man Sainju, Mrs Kusum Lakaul who was involved in the 1950 revolution, and president of Rupandehi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mahendra Narayan Shrestha also expressed their views.