The Maoists threatened journalist Sita Mademba for writing a story about the party´s extortion drive during the general strike. Maoist cadre Dipesh Shrestha threatened Mademba. [break]
Shrestha, however, has conceded his "mistake" and apologized. But when she wrote a news about the apology, Maoist cadre Chotlung threatened her again. "I am receiving threats again and again," she said.
Mademba is not alone in receiving threats from the Maoists. Journalist Som Nath Bastola received threat to life from one Rajesh who claimed to be a Maoist Kochila State Committee member. Bastola received threat from the cell phone number 9842051211.
"I was threatened immediately after I picked up the phone," said Bastola. Likewise, journalist Santosh Yadav also received threats from the Maoists for publishing pictures against the interest of Maoist party during their indefinite general strike.
Journalist Bhairab Angla tells his experience of receiving repeated threats: "If journalists don´t write like the Maoist party cadre, they continue receiving threats."
Journalists in the Tarai and eastern hilly districts have been receiving threats from the various armed groups as well.
News coordinator of Saptakoshi FM Lilaraj Bhattarai says that journalists are facing difficulties psychologically due to such threats.
Meanwhile, journalists in the district held a meeting on Thursday and issued a three-day ultimatum to Maoists to take action against the party cadres who have been issuing threats to journalists. Journalists have warned of phase-wise protests if the Maoist party fails to take action against them.
However, district secretary of the Maoist party said they might have some grievances about news reports, but have not issued threats to journalists.
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