Visiting Nepal Republic Media office at JDA Complex, Sundhara on Monday, he said, "The government will leave no stone unturned to investigate the incident and take action against the attackers." [break]
Hooligans carry out criminal activities under various pretexts but they should not have political backing because politics and crime should not be linked, he said.
"It is clear that this attack was carried out with criminal intent," he added. "The government is always prepared to demoralize criminal activities and protect democracy," he said.
Cadres of Shiv Sena Nepal had stormed the offices of Nepal Republic Media on Thursday purportedly to protest the news published in Shukrabar, Republica´s sister publication, and manhandled Kishore Nepal, editor-in-chief of Nagarik and Shukrabar, and other journalists. The District Administration Office, Kathmandu on Friday remanded 15 persons arrested for their involvement in the attack to seven days of judicial custody.
The prime minister also watched the CCTV footage of the attack.
The PM also enquired about the incident with Nepal, Editor-in-Chief of Republica Daily Kosmos Bishwokarma, Managing Director Binod Raj Gyawali and Director of the Publications Shova Gyawali.
Strong legal action against attackers: DPM Gachachhadar
Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar has also assured strong legal action against the attackers and initiate necessary measures to discourage such incidents against the media in future.
After receiving a memorandum from journalists led by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Kathmandu Branch, on Monday, Gachchhadar said, "Though we don´t have strong legal provisions against such activities, we will investigate the case with due priority."
He also said investigation will not be influenced by any kind of pressure by the Shiva Sena cadres. Cadres of Shiva are said to have pressurized the chief district officer of Kathmandu for unconditional release of those arrested.
Journalists have also threatened to go for street protest if the government fails to probe into the incident and take strong legal action against the attackers.
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