Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 12:

The Committee To Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed serious concern at the way newspaper reporters are obliged to abide by stringent measures when it comes to covering incidents related to the Maoists. “Stringent measures and ban on news broadcast for 46 FM radios have resulted in job losses and erosion of press freedom,” said Executive Director of CPJ, Ann Cooper, while speaking at a press conference to disseminate the finding of the seven-day field visit to Nepalgunj. The field visit was undertaken with a view to assess the scenario there. The field report, which has been compiled by Ann in cooperation with Daniel Lak, a former BBC correspondent, has pointed out at how newspaper men practise self-censorship following the February 1 development for obvious reasons. Putting the number of journalists still in detention at 10, Cooper mentioned instances of the army men issuing threats to journalists in the countryside even as some have been accused of sympathising with the Maoists.

The report has mentioned the instance of how editor of Dharan Today was shot dead in his office by unidentified men in what is being singled out as an example of how media persons are under risk from both Maoists and the army alike. Moreover, the latest strategy of the government to deny government advertisement to private newspaper has been labelled as a strategy which cannot help the press.