The Hindu : International : Summons for editors over blank pages

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 24, 2005

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International

Summons for editors over blank pages

KATHMANDU, FEB. 23. Editors of four Nepalese weeklies were today summoned by the authorities here to explain why they were keeping the editorial page in their papers blank after press censorship was imposed since the takeover of power by King Gyanendra.

Gopal Budhathoki of Sanghu Weekly, Editor Kabir Rana of Deshantar Weekly, Editor Rajendra Vaid of Bimarsha Weekly and Editor Nawaraj Timi lsina of Chhalfal Weekly were summoned at the district administration office at Babarmahal by the police, Mr. Rana said.

The King, who sacked the Deuba government and declared emergency rule on February 1, issued a proclamation imposing press censorship.

Many newspapers and weeklies in Nepal have been keeping the editorial pages blank as a symbolic protest against the King's decision.

Seven journalists including the general secretary of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Bishnu Nishthuri, have been arrested since the takeover.

Initially, the Government deployed army at various media establishments but withdrew them later after sharp reaction from international rights bodies. — PTI

Halt will bolster Maoists

AFP reports:

Nepal's army today said a decision by India and Britain to halt military aid in response to King Gyanendra's seizure of power would bolster a growing Maoist insurgency.

``Nepal is fighting a war against terrorism while the U.S., U.K. and India are also fighting against terrorism, and if the military assistance is stopped this means they are also helping the Maoist terrorists,'' said the army spokesman, Brigadier General Dipak Gurung.

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