At least 72 journalists have been subjected to death threats, violence or threats of violence by armed militants in southern Nepal this year amid ethnic unrest and anti-government riots, according to an international media rights group, The Himalayan Times reported on Friday.

According to the daily, Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontiers has expressed its concern about the safety of journalists in Nepal, where activists demanding greater rights for the region's people are becoming increasingly active.

Nearly 60 people have died in violent protests this year in the area.

"Armed militants are harassing journalists with the aim of silencing them or turning them into propagandists. The authorities must do everything possible to put an end to this climate of open hostility," the group was quoted by the daily as saying.

Information and Communication Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said earlier this week the government plans to introduce laws to protect journalists.

The report called on Mahara "to quickly intercede with all affiliated organizations to get them to stop the attacks and threats against journalists."

Source: Xinhua