(FNJ/IFEX) – Cadres of the Nepal Sadbhawana Party-Anandadevi (NSP-A) attacked journalists Prabhat Devkota of “Satya Patra Daily” and Basanta Sharma of “Nispakcha Weekly” in Tribhuwan Chowk in the mid-western city of Nepalgunj on 26 December 2006 at around 11:30 a.m. (local time). According to Prabhat Devkota, the incident took place while they were trying to […]
(FNJ/IFEX) – Cadres of the Nepal Sadbhawana Party-Anandadevi (NSP-A) attacked journalists Prabhat Devkota of “Satya Patra Daily” and Basanta Sharma of “Nispakcha Weekly” in Tribhuwan Chowk in the mid-western city of Nepalgunj on 26 December 2006 at around 11:30 a.m. (local time).
According to Prabhat Devkota, the incident took place while they were trying to take pictures of the clash between the Madhesi and Pahade communities. NSP-A activists also set fire to the motorcycle belonging to journalist Sama Thapa of “Satya Patra Daily”, on which the two were riding. The activists beat them even though the journalists showed their identity cards.
The clash occurred after NSP-A activists vandalised public transportation and shops in Nepalgunj while enforcing their Terai Bandh (general strike) called on 26 December to express dissatisfaction over the recently signed interim constitution. The protestors allege that the interim constitution failed to address the demands of Madhesi people.
The local administration imposed a curfew from 11:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on 26 December following protests and clashes between the two communal groups. This is the first time the local administration has imposed a curfew following the success of the April movement for the restoration of democracy.
Jhalak Gaire, a journalist and Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Banke chapter vice-president, was also attacked by NSP-A cadres in Bageshowri Chowk, Nepalgunj, while he was on his way to his office on 25 December.
In yet another incident in Kathmandu, a group of students associated with the All Nepal Free Student Union (ANFSU) harassed FNJ Central Committee Member Binod Pahadi on 26 December at around 9:15 a.m. (local time) in Putali Sadak near the Shankar Dev Campus. According to Pahadi, he was on his way to his office when students stopped and harassed him even though he had flashed his identity card. They also tried to set fire to his motorcycle, but after local people intervened, they returned it to him.
The FNJ has issued a press release condemning the continuing attacks on journalists and urging respect for freedom of speech and media expression. It has also expressed serious concern over the continued violation of media rights even after the restoration of democracy.