(FNJ/IFEX) – Copies of “Kantipur”, the “Kathmandu Post” and “Nepal Magazine” were torched on 2 March 2009 in Khanar, Sunsari District, by a group identifying themselves as activists of the Tharu Welfare Council. The van which was carrying the newspapers for distribution was also seized. The council had called for a three day general strike […]
(FNJ/IFEX) – Copies of “Kantipur”, the “Kathmandu Post” and “Nepal Magazine” were torched on 2 March 2009 in Khanar, Sunsari District, by a group identifying themselves as activists of the Tharu Welfare Council. The van which was carrying the newspapers for distribution was also seized. The council had called for a three day general strike in Terai, starting on 2 March, protesting a recent government decision affecting the Tharu people.
The protestors also dumped a number of newspapers and magazines in a nearby canal and accused the media of not reporting on their situation. However, the “Kathmandu Post” and “Kantipur” had recently reported on the Tharu Welfare Council’s convention and published photographs of a rally organised by the council. When journalists who were present at the scene of the incident informed the protestors of these published reports, the assailants said that the news should have appeared on the papers’ front pages.