Kathmandu, July 30:

Top leaders of different political parties launched the first independent news-only channel, Sagarmatha Television, here today.

CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Nepal, CPN Maoist chairman Prachanda and general secretary of the NC-D Bimalendra Nidhi were among the leaders who inaugurated the channel.

The programme was delayed for hours as PM GP Koirala, who was scheduled to inaugurate the function, failed to appear due to ill-health. Maoist chairman Prachanda said media should support the CA elections, the republican campaign and the peace process. Nepal said media should play the role of a watchdog.

Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Minister for Information and Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Minister for Physical Planning and Works Hisila Yami were also present.

RPP president Pashupati Shumsher JB Rana lauded the channel’s resolve to give equal space to all parties in the parliament.

Chairman of the channel Nirmal Gurung said the channel will give equal importance to all ethnic groups, religions, cultures and languages.