Responding to the delegates from the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), who visited him at the ministry in Singha Durbar on Monday, Mahara said the administration and the police have been instructed to take prompt initiatives to bring those involved in attacking media persons to book.[break]
"First file a complaint immediately after such incidents and then let me know. I will promptly mobilize the administration and the police for immediate action," said Mahara. "Rest assured I will make no compromise in taking legal actions against those who attack media persons."
FNJ Chairman Shiva Gaunle expressed serious concern that journalists are being increasingly targeted by police, political cadres, criminal elements and other groups in the recent days. He complained against the authorities for not taking action against the culprits even when there is clear evidence against the guilty.
"For instance, it is obvious that the district level leaders of the Youth Force, a youth wing of the ruling CPN-UML, attacked journalist Khilanath Dhakal, a reporter of Nagarik daily. But they are yet to be apprehended," he said.
FNJ General Secretary Om Sharma urged the home minister to take concrete initiatives for creating conducive environment for journalists to carry out their responsibilities.
FNJ Vice-President Yasodha Timilsina, secretary Jagat Nepal, treasurer Shital Sah and other central committee members were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Leela Mani Paudel said strict instructions have been issues to the local administration to bring the assailants who attacked Dhakal to book. "The culprits will not be spared on any pretext and strong legal action will be taken against the guilty," Paudel told Republica.
Officials said home ministry is also mulling over providing compensation to Dhakal´s family.
The FNJ has condemned the attack on Dhakal, and demanded stringent action against the assailants. It has also urged the prime minister´s party, CPN-UML, to instruct its cadres to refrain from attacking journalists.
Republica chapter of the FNJ denounced the attack and urged the government authorities as well as the UML leadership to take immediate and stringent action against the assailants.
Likewise, The Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) termed the incident an attack against the press freedom. "The HURPES urges the political parties to not repeat such activities in the future and take action against the guilty," the Society said in its statement.
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