(FNJ/IFEX) – Sharad Chandra Bhandari, a reporter with the news agency Rastray Samachar Samitte (RSS), was manhandled on 21 January 2007 while covering the indefinite nation-wide traffic strike in Gaushala, called by the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE). The transport entrepreneurs roughed up Bhandari even though he had shown them his press card. […]
(FNJ/IFEX) – Sharad Chandra Bhandari, a reporter with the news agency Rastray Samachar Samitte (RSS), was manhandled on 21 January 2007 while covering the indefinite nation-wide traffic strike in Gaushala, called by the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE).
The transport entrepreneurs roughed up Bhandari even though he had shown them his press card. They also threatened to vandalize and burn his motorcycle.
The FNTTE called the traffic strike to protest the vandalism and torching of public vehicles, and to press the government to meet its 10-point demand, which included requests for compensation for vehicles vandalized in Lahan and security for transport workers.
In another incident, Shiv Kumar Shah, a correspondent with Garima FM, and Hari Nath Yadev, a correspondent with “Jwarbhata” weekly, were attacked in the eastern district of Lahan on 21 January.
According to Dineshwor Prasad Gupta, the president of FNJ’s Siraha Chapter, personnel of the Maoists’ People’s Liberation Army beat the journalists with sticks while they were covering demonstrations staged to protest the killing of the student Ramesh Mahato, which occurred during a clash with Maoist cadres in Lahan on 19 January. Yadev sustained injuries to his head.
In a third incident, Bharat Jargha Magar, a “Kantipur” correspondent, was threatened by Lahan residents on 21 January. They claimed Magar had not disseminated news on the Lahan incident fairly and accused him of bias.
The local administration imposed a 15-hour curfew in Lahan on 21 January, starting at11:00 a.m. (local time), to take control of the situation. However, the locals organized protests and burnt tires in the street in defiance of the curfew.
FNJ has condemned the incidents and urged all concerned to respect freedom of the press and of expression. FNJ also urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of journalists.