Nepal Police took two journalists under control in Kanchanpur on May 17. Kanchanpur lies in Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal.

Freedom Forum talked to one of the journalists Aishwarya Kunwar about the incident. Correspondent at Sagarmatha Television Kunwar said that Kunwar and another journalist Rajendra Nath reached a local police station in Mahendranagar to report on the clash among police persons and locals in connection with cross-border transport of goods.

Nath is editor-in-chief at https://simarekha.com/ (a news portal).

While controlling the clash police officers arrested journalists duo despite knowing that they are reporting the incident. Kunwar said, "They not only took us under control but also seized our belongings. They handcuffed journalist Nath and took us into the police station. We were kept there for two hours and released later after discussion with fellow journalists."

"I was hurt in legs and shoulders while they tried to thrash me into the station. Earlier, media had published news on police activities since then, they do not cooperate journalists", Kunwar added.

Freedom Forum condemns the arrest of journalists. It is gross violation of press freedom. FF reminds Nepal Police to differentiate journalists while controlling the mob and respect their rights enshrined in the constitution.

Together jorunalists need to sport their Press IDs visibly as a measure to avoid intimidation.

Security persons must be aware of security of journalists so that they can do reporting on issues of public concern freely and without fear.