(FNJ/IFEX) – Five daily newspapers and seven weeklies being published from Jhapa, an eastern district of Nepal, decided to suspend their publication from 5 February 2007. According to Krishna Humagain, president of FNJ-Jhapa chapter, they have decided to suspend publication due to the shortage of printing paper in the district and to demand guarantees for […]
(FNJ/IFEX) – Five daily newspapers and seven weeklies being published from Jhapa, an eastern district of Nepal, decided to suspend their publication from 5 February 2007.
According to Krishna Humagain, president of FNJ-Jhapa chapter, they have decided to suspend publication due to the shortage of printing paper in the district and to demand guarantees for the safety of journalists.
The dailies concerned are “Purbanchal”, “Janasamsad”, “Bibechana”, “Purba Sandesh” and “Mechi Times”, while the weeklies are “Swadin Sambad”, “Swatantra Janaawaz”, “Janajyoti”, “Samaweshi”, “Naulo Awaz”, “Sasakta Nari Awaz” and “Jhulke Gham”.
FNJ-Jhapa Secretary Mohan Kaji said cadres of Madheshi Janatantrik Morcha (MJF) seized copies of the newspaper “Purba Sandesh” on 2 January in Gauriganj in Jhapa district. Another daily, “Janasamsad”, was threatened by people from an organization named Sangiya Loktantrik Rastriya Manch, who said they would not spare the newspaper if it did not give them front-page coverage.
FNJ has urged all the agitating parties to respect press freedom and freedom of expression and to stop all attacks on journalists. FNJ President Bishnu Nisthuri said the federation talked with the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Jhapa district and asked the government to support the printing of newspapers in the district. FNJ has also urged the government to ensure the safety of media persons and media institutions.