KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 1
Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba officially released the book A Decade of Conflict Journalism, authored by journalist Dirgha Raj Upadhyaya amidst a ceremony held on Friday in Kathmandu.
The book, which provides an in-depth examination of the challenges faced by journalists during Nepal's decade-long conflict, is being hailed as a crucial resource for future generations.
In his address, Deuba reflected on a significant personal experience included in the book, specifically the attack on him by rebel CPN-Maoists in Amkhaiya, Kailali, in 2059 B.S, while he was traveling from Dhangadhi to Nepalgunj. "There was a ceasefire in the country when I was attacked. They shouldn't have shot," Deuba remarked, emphasizing the gravity of the situation described in the chapter titled "The Attack on Deuba." He further noted that despite the submission of 40-point demands by the Maoists, they were initially unwilling to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Deuba also highlighted the pivotal role of the Nepali Congress in transitioning the nation from armed conflict to peace, culminating in the promulgation of the constitution through the Constituent Assembly and the establishment of a republican system. "We have successfully turned the armed conflict into a peace process, and by issuing a constitution from the Constituent Assembly, we have come to a republican system. Now, the constitution can be amended to make it even better. Democracy is an alternative to democracy. It can be strengthened and improved," he stated, underscoring the possibility of constitutional amendments to further bolster citizens' rights.
Former Maoist Leader and current Nepal Communist Party (UML) Secretary Lekhraj Bhatt also spoke at the event, asserting that during the conflict, he played a significant role in preventing targeted killings in the Far West. Addressing the incident involving Deuba, Bhatt said, "There was no plan to attack former Prime Minister Deuba during the conflict. It seems that wrong information was spread due to the lack of proper information communication at that time."
Renowned journalist Kunda Dixit, who also commented on the book, acknowledged the progress made in the peace process despite the personal risks he and others faced. "The progress of the peace process can be considered a success despite attempts on our lives," Dixit reflected.
Journalist Babita Basnet, providing her perspective on the book, praised it for its detailed documentation of the events that transpired during the conflict. "This book will be helpful in understanding how reporting was done during the conflict and what time Nepali journalism went through to reach here," she remarked, highlighting its value to the journalistic community.
Author Upadhyaya shared that A Decade of Conflict Journalism serves as a crucial document of the experiences faced by Nepali journalists during the conflict. "This book is a collection of challenges, pains, and experiences faced by journalists and the journalism sector during the transition period after 10 years of conflict, the King's death, and the peace process," he explained. Upadhyaya further noted that the book also covers the struggles for journalists' rights and the protests that occurred while he was in leadership roles within several federations. "This book is a witness of the journalism of that time, which suffered the war," he added, emphasizing its historical significance.
The release of A Decade of Conflict Journalism marks a significant contribution to the understanding of Nepal's turbulent past, offering valuable insights for future generations of journalists and historians alike.
