Kathmandu, December 29:

Representatives of the major parties in the Constituent Assembly today demanded the CPN-Maoist to implement their repeated commitments towards press and media freedom.

Addressing an interaction with journalists organised by the Nepali Congress CA members, the leaders called on all parties, especially the Maoists, to express unwavering commitment towards press freedom and freedom of expression.

Chairman of the meeting Nabindra Raj Joshi of the NC, said democracy, peace, and fundamental rights of the citizens were profoundly interconnected with press and media freedom. “It was a historic meeting since it was the first time the parties had shared the forum for the cause of press and media freedom,” Joshi said.

Pradip Gyawali of CPN-UML; Maoist leader Barsha Man Pun; Hridayesh Tripathi of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party; Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani of the Rastriya Janashakti Party; Chandra Man Gurung of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal; Chandra Prakash Mainali of the CPN-ML; Sarita Giri of the Nepal Sadbhavana Party; Ram Janam Chaudhari of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum; Gayatri Shah of the Nepal Janata Dal; Laxmi Lal Chaudhari of the Nepal Loksewa Dal were among the speakers at the programme. NC’s Gagan Thapa, Dhana Raj Gurung and Usha Gurung were also present in the meeting. Pun tried to assure the CA members and journalists that his party deserved the benefit of doubt. “We are committed towards press freedom and the party organisation needs time to transform,” he said.

Meanwhile, editor of Himal Khabarpatrika Kanak Mani Dixit said the political parties should understand the necessity of an independent media, which is extremely necessary in the process of writing the new constitution.

Journalist Narayan Wagle, Sudheer Sharma and Secretary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists also asked the Maoists to keep their word.