Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 15:

The Movement to Save Independent Radio has dropped one of its protest programmes — repeatedly airing news about King Gyanendra’s Doha visit — after requests from the government authorities, even as FM journalists ready for talks with the government tomorrow.

Yesterday, the talks failed. The journalists are demanding that the government forthwith lift the ban on FM news broadcasting.

Spokesperson for Movement, Ghama Raj Luitel, said FM radio journalists have dropped their protest after requests from the government authorities.

He said talks would be held at 2 pm tomorrow.

“The talks will, however, not deter our other agitation programmes,” he said.

Meanwhile, a musical show — FM Solidarity Musical Programme — was organised at Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka, this evening to express solidarity with the FM journalists’ agitation.

Popular singers Ramesh, Shishir Yogi, Mausami Gurung, Nirnaya, Dipesh Kishor Bhattarai, Sugam Pokhrel, Amrit Gurung, Aavash and others participated in the show.

Senior journalist Kanak Mani Dixit, who sang a song originally sung by Ambar Gurung — Kanhi Afnai Bhumari Ma Aafai Paryou Ki — was the draw of the event.