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Alert

Militant armed group warns media against reporting during general strike in Banke district

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - CEHURDES is taken aback by news reports of some organizations vowing to stop reporting of news and publication of newspapers in some parts of the country.

According to the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), activists of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) - which has re-launched its activism in the Terai region (southern plains), demanding rights for the people of the region - have vowed to stop the publication and distribution of Nepali-language newspapers in Rautahat district in south-eastern Nepal. The activists, led by Nanda Kishore Shah, accuse the press of "not giving due importance to news related to the group's activities" (see IFEX alert of 19 March 2007).

Another organization named Madhesi Tiger - a militant, armed regional grouping that is demanding rights for the Madhes or Terai region - has warned journalists not to report any news between 15 and 19 March, as they have announced a Banke district bandh (general strike) for that period.

CEHURDES condemns these warnings and threats by the MJF and Madhesi Tigers. CEHURDES fully supports FNJ's position that these threats constitute a blatant attack against freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

CEHURDES calls on all organizations to respect people's fundamental rights. It also calls on government authorities to create an environment where free press can prosper. This is especially important as Nepal is heading towards historic elections for the Constituent Assembly, which will write a new constitution for the country. The people of Nepal have the right to express themselves during the elections and this can only be ensured in an atmosphere where there is a free and vibrant press.