JANAKPUR, Jan 18: Police arrested another person in connection with the murder of journalist Uma Singh from Mirchaiya, Siraha Sunday afternoon. With this, police have two persons in its net in connection with the murder that attracted condemnations from home and abroad.[break]
A special police team arrested Shravan Yadav, a regional member of the Maoist party who hails from Rampur Birta Ward No. 3 of Siraha district, Sunday afternoon from Mirchaiya Chowk, according to Superintendent of Police Yadav Raj Khanal. He has been brought to Janakpur for interrogation.On Saturday, police arrested a person involved in the January 11 murder of Singh, Minister for Information and Communications Krishna Bahadur Mahara told the parliament on Sunday.
"Neb Lal Paswan who claims to be a member of the Tarai Ekata Parishad was arrested yesterday and he has admitted to having killed journalist Singh," Mahara told the House, responding to a commitment proposal tabled by Nepali Congress member Ramesh Lekhak in the House.
Paswan, who hails from Lakkar Village Development Committee, Siraha, was arrested from the village. According to police, Paswan had tried to escape and the police had to fire 35 rounds, injuring the accused on the knee. He is currently being treated in Janakpur Regional Hospital under police watch.
Mahara said the government has taken Singh´s murder seriously and set up a probe panel led by a senior police officer.
Mahara said the government is fully committed to guaranteeing press freedom and safety of journalists. "The government will leave no stone unturned to protect journalists," said Mahara. Some miscreants are still taking advantage of the government´s good intentions and are continuing attacks on media, he said.
Previously, police had arrested four persons in Janakpur the day after the crime but freed all of them after preliminary investigation. Later, some more were arrested but were freed subsequently.
Meanwhile, the parliament passed a commitment proposal by lawmaker Ramesh Lekhak on protection for journalists and guaranteeing press freedom. The proposal demands strong action against Uma Singh´s killers and against those involved in attack on media. The proposal demands a parliamentary mechanism to ensure journalists are enjoying press freedom and working in an atmosphere free from fear.
(Yuvraj Acharya contributed to this report from Kathmandu.)
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