Leaders slam curb on Press

Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 3:

Political leaders and journalists today criticised the government for its continued assault on the press as the country celebrated the World Press Freedom Day. "The government has surpassed the Maoists in terms of press freedom," Raghujee Panta, central member of the UML, told a programme organised by Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ). Roshan Karki, Spokesperson of the ruling Rastriya Prajatantra Party(RPP) also came down heavily on the government for its failure to safeguard press freedom. "The government is resorting to a policy of suppression to crush the five-party agitation. It has put democracy and the country on stake with its undemocratic character," he said.

Ram Chandra Poudel, leader of the Nepali Congress said the agitation would continue until sovereignty of the people is established. He stressed the need of unity among all forces to bring back power to the people.