KATHMANDU, Aug. 3– President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Nirmala Sharma, who has arrived in London to participate in a program organized by the FNJ UK Chapter, has landed in controversy.
The controversy arose after it became known that Sharma is set to attend a general assembly and anniversary event on Sunday as the chief guest. The event is being organised by a unilateral faction led by Bimala Sene, which was formed in opposition to the directives of then FNJ President Bipul Pokhrel and Acting President Bala Adhikari. In response, the Nepal Press Union (NPU) UK Chapter has expressed its opposition.
On Saturday night, Bipin Niraula, President of the Nepal Press Union UK Chapter, issued a statement expressing discontent over the exaggerated promotion regarding the participation of FNJ Central President Nirmala Sharma and the Nepali Ambassador to the UK in the special anniversary ceremony. He noted that most founding members of the organization would not be present at the event.
Earlier, the FNJ had formed a high-level committee under the coordination of senior journalist Bhagirath Yogi to resolve the dispute within the UK Chapter. However, with Sharma’s decision to attend the event organized by the controversial committee even before the committee could start its work, hopes for unity appear to be fading.
The statement issued by President Niraula reads:
"It is widely known that serious differences have existed within the FNJ UK Chapter since the convention held last year. Although a high-level committee under the coordination of senior journalist Bhagirath Yogi has been formed to resolve the dispute, we express deep regret that a unilateral group led by Bimala Sene is organizing a program while internal unity is yet to be restored."
The statement further objected to the exaggerated publicity surrounding the participation of FNJ President Nirmala Sharma and the Nepali Ambassador to the UK in a special ceremony where most of the founding members are confirmed to be absent.
The Nepal Press Union UK Chapter has called upon the entire Nepali community and organisations in the UK not to participate in an event that, according to them, is being unilaterally organised with the intent to divide the collective institution of Nepali journalists in the UK.
The statement concludes by declaring a complete boycott of the so-called general assembly and anniversary event.
"It is clearly stated that any adverse situation or responsibility arising from the event, which disregards the unity of the founding members and is being held without consensus, shall be borne solely by the Federation of Nepali Journalists itself," the statement reads.