Kathmandu, January 13:

Denouncing the murder of journalist Uma Singh, several political parties and human rights and media organisations flayed the government for failing to bring the murderers to book and expressed condolence to the bereaved family. Uma was killed in Janakpur on Sunday night.

The Nepali Congress (NC) condemned the ruthless and shameful murder of Uma by an unidentified gang and the abduction of her father and brother by the Maoists three years ago.

In a press statement issued today, the NC said the government was neither taking any action against the culprits involved in the murder nor has it tried to search for her abducted kin. “The government has failed to provide security to the journalists,” it added. “The government should provide compensation to her family and ensure severe punishment for the culprits.”

The Sadbhavana Party has also flayed regular attacks on media and condemned Uma’s murder. The party also expressed sympathy for the grieving family.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has said everybody in the country was insecure. Condemning Uma’s murder, the RPP urged the government to ensure security in the country.

Nepal Bar Association, issuing a statement, said constant attacks on journalists and media houses were a sign of violation of press freedom. It denounced the merciless killing of Uma. “We appeal to all people to come together and fight against impunity and terror in the country,” it said.

Deploring the murder, Nepal Media Society called on the government to provide compensation to Uma’s family, and urged the government to penalise the guilty.

The Editors Society of Nepal also condemned the heinous act, which cannot be excused at any cost. It said it would not be enough no matter how much it is condemned.

The National Network of Weekly and Fortnightly Papers stated that the incident has posed a

serious threat to the free press in the country. It asked the government to punish the guilty.

Television Broadcasters Nepal, Nepal Press Institute, INSEC, Human Rights Organisation of Nepal and NGO Federation of Nepal also denounced the gruesome killing and expressed concerns about the rampage of criminal elements targeting mediapersons. They urged

the government to provide security to journalists and end impunity.