Government's Authoritarian Move on Media

The government led by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), despite concerns over its step to control state-run media, demoted Acting General Manager of Nepal Television (NTV), Deepak Mani Dhital, on June 18 for broadcasting live the mass gathering of 27 opposition parties at Khulamanch in the capital on June 8, 2012. The government move to take action on Manager Dhital has not only violated the press Freedom but also proved that it was making environment to impose authoritarianism by panicking media persons and controlling media house. "At a time the state-run media were in need of getting transformed into the public broadcasting agencies, the government act to demote Acting General Manager Dhital has misused the state media and shown authoritarian character. It is condemnable act as the government does not want to hear the voice of opposition," says Taranath Dahal, Chairman of Freedom Forum. The voices of oppositions must be heeded in democracy. So, the action on Manager Dhital is an attack on democratic values and culture. Freedom Forum, therefore, strongly urges the government to restore Dhital in the post, and allow him continue his regular works. Krishna Sapkota Executive Director Freedom Forum