Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has expressed concern over threats issued to local journalists by the Madhesi Tigers, an armed group, in Banke district.

Issuing a press release Friday, the FNJ stated that the group has demanded closure of newspaper publications for 5 days from March 15th.

“The group had also issued threats to journalists to bar them from going to public places to collect news during that period,” the FNJ statement added.

It has also raised concern over reports that activists of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum have not allowed the distribution and sales of newspapers published in Nepali in Rautahaut district.

The FNJ has urged the government to create an environment where media persons could freely collect and generate news.