The government has announced that it will bear the full medical expenses of journalists who were injured while covering the Gen Z youth movement. Government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel made the announcement while addressing a program held at Singha Durbar on Friday to honor the injured journalists with cash awards.
During the Gen Z protests, journalists Shyam Shrestha of Kantipur Television, Dipendra Dhungana of Naya Patrika Daily, Umesh Karki of NepalPress.com, and journalist Shambhu Dangal were injured after being hit by pellets and rubber bullets fired by police. All four journalists were honored at a special ceremony organized at the ministry on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Minister Kharel said the state would take guardianship of media professionals and urged the injured journalists to remain in continuous contact with the government. He stated that the state has a responsibility to cover citizens’ medical expenses and assured that no effort would be spared in the treatment of journalists working on the frontlines.
Minister Kharel also requested journalists not to be misled by false information suggesting that the government was indifferent, claiming that the government is always ready to provide support. He further emphasized that if the injured journalists wish, the Federation of Nepali Journalists should take the initiative to arrange suitable employment for them, assuring that the government would extend its full support in that regard.
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