Sankhuwasabha, March 28:

Maoist district member Kuber Prasad Bhetwal, who had threatened to kill Kishor Budhathoki, the Sankhuwasabha correspondent of The Himalayan Times, has apologised for his mistake. He admitted that he had committed the mistake in a fit of anger.

During a meeting organised by the district chapter of FNJ in Khandbari yesterday, Bhetwal, who is also the FNJ district treasurer, said he would not repeat the mistake in the future. FNJ Sankhuwasabha acting chairman Shyam Prasad Niraula and Press Chautari Nepal’s chairman Rajdhan Rai were also present in the meeting.

Bhetwal had mistreated Budhathoki when the latter had gone to cover the incident of police firing in connection with the FSU poll on March 19 in Khandbari. Budhathoki who had been staying in Dharan following the threat has returned to the district.

Press Chautari Nepal’s district chairman Rai said the FNJ should take action against party cadres who intimidate or harm journalists. “FNJ should stand up against attacks on journalists,” he said.

Maoist district secretary Rajendra Karki “Nabin” said the party had no policy of attacking the journalists. He also expressed commitment that his cadres will not attack Budhathoki in the future.

Meanwhile, CDO Tulasi Prasad Gautam assured that the local administration and police will provide security to the journalists.