The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed concern over the recent attacks and threats against journalists by protesters in southern Nepal while covering news in the area.

A press statement issued by CPJ said, several journalists from the towns of Biratnagar, Birgunj, Inuwara and Lahan, and in Bara and Saptari districts, have been forced from their homes because of the intimidation.

“We are disturbed by sustained and targeted threats against journalists working in southern Nepal, which has lead to the displacement of several colleagues,” the statement quoted CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon as saying.

“Journalists must be free to work without fear of physical attack. We call on Madheshi leaders to respect the right of journalists to cover these violent events. And we call on the government to protect the press during this trying period,” he added.