Kathmandu, Nepal — Youth leader Dr. Abul Husain Ansari has urged media outlets not to intimidate the Nepali Muslim community under the pretext of news reporting. Dr. Ansari, a social worker and former central member of the Nepal Student Union as well as a general convention representative, stated that attempts to intimidate the Muslim community through news content have occurred repeatedly over time. He condemned the publication of news that could disrupt the peace and security of the Muslim community.

He pointed out that on July 17, 2025, the English version of Fardafas.com, operated by News Society Pvt. Ltd., published an article titled “Cross-Border Conversion Racket Busted: Nepal’s Role Under Scanner in Chhangur Baba Terror-Funding Probe”  On August 11, 2082 B.S., Dr. Ansari submitted a formal complaint with a rebuttal to the Press Council Nepal, attaching the link to the news report. In his complaint, he expressed sadness that incidents occurring in other countries were being reported in a way that could negatively impact the Muslim community in Nepal.

Dr. Ansari stated, “It is unfortunate that events from other countries are being reported in a way that directly affects the Muslim community in Nepal. The media, which should serve as the voice of the voiceless, must not create an environment of fear. If an individual from any community commits an incident or a crime, it is personal—it is not an act carried out with the collective involvement of an entire community. Such reporting has had a direct social and psychological impact on the Nepali Muslim community.”

The English version of Fardafas.com had reported:

“The arrest of self-styled Indian spiritual leader Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba on July 5 in Uttar Pradesh has triggered a widening transnational investigation exposing a massive illegal religious conversion and money laundering network, with deep financial and operational links to Nepal. The racket—allegedly backed by foreign powers and radical Islamic organizations—has raised significant security concerns in both India and Nepal. He cultivated a following among poor and socially vulnerable Hindus, claiming to perform spiritual healings. But behind the façade, he allegedly orchestrated a coercive conversion syndicate stretching across multiple Indian states and into Nepal.”

Dr. Ansari expressed his objection to this content, emphasizing that journalists and media must disseminate truthful, factual, and balanced news content, and must not report in a way that discriminates against or incites hatred toward anyone on any grounds. He stressed that, according to the Journalist Code of Conduct, media organizations are obligated to give space to rebuttals or responses from individuals, communities, or institutions affected by published news.

Dr. Ansari has also urged the Press Council Nepal to take action against Fardafas.com for publishing such content.