KATHMANDU, Dec 28: At a time when Kantipur Publications´ Biratnagar office is under siege by its employees affiliated with CPN (Maoist) trade union, the union has allegedly sent a letter threatening to close the publication´s office in Pokhara as well, Alliance for Press Freedom claimed in a press release on Sunday evening.
Alliance for Press Freedom, that comprises print, radio, television and web news portals, said it has taken serious note of the threat that has come when talks between the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) are progressing positively.
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"We conclude that press freedom is at grave risk and the entire press fraternity would be compelled to take harsh measures to counter authoritarian attitude of cadres of a party that is leading the government," the Alliance said.
The Alliance further said there is a concerted attempt to change the issue of press freedom into a labor dispute between media houses and workers. The Alliance reiterated its commitment to respecting trade union rights and honoring past commitments.
"We are not against dialogue but for this climate of fear has to be removed," it further said, adding that "the government has to issue public apology for the recent incidents aimed at muzzling the press". It also asked the government to help end the siege at the Kantipur Publications´ eastern regional office in Biratnagar immediately.
Kantipur employees belonging to Maoist-affiliated All Nepal Communication, Printing and Publications Workers´ Union (ANCPPWU) have been obstructing work since Dec 22 demanding better pay and work conditions as part of their 12-point demand. They have also prevented printing of eastern editions of Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post since Thursday.
