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Don't drag us into media disruption dispute, warns Bhattarai; EU concerned

Even as pro-Maoist workers have disrupted the works at Kantipur Publications since last few days, a senior party leader has claimed that his party is saddened by the spread of what he called as one-sided opinion 'in favour of business houses and against workers.'

Speaking at a programme in the capital on Wednesday, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai said so adding that it was not 'tolerable' that efforts were being made to drag Maoists' name in the whole episode.

On Wednesday also, Maoist union leaders continued to apply pressure on the Publication. Jagat Simkhada, president of All Nepal Transport Workers' Organisation, which is affiliated with the Maoists, threatened that transport workers will no longer permit Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post dailies to be carried in their vehicles. "I urge my friends not to carry them. I urge them to burn them," he said.

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has issued a statement saying that it is deeply concerned by the disruption to media houses. "Free press is enshrined in Nepal's interim constitution and we urge all parties to respect and uphold this principle. Disputes should be settled through the courts and not through violence, vandalism or intimidation," it said.

Likewise, photojournalists held a protest demonstration in Maitighar on Wednesday expressing their solidarity with the Publication.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP-Nepal) also issued a statement denouncing the disruption in media. "The RPP Nepal strongly condemns the ill-attempts at disrupting publication and dissemination of media entities. Such acts contravene the basic tenets of democracy and human rights," it said.

Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) also denounced the vandalism of private vehicle and press of the Kantipur Publication. nepalnews.com sd Oct 03 07