Kathmandu, May 27: Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that the government, political parties and the civic society should take seriously any healthy criticism from the press.

Prime Minister Koirala, who was speaking at a meeting with central committee office bearers of Nepal Press Union (NPU) at the Prime Minister’s residence today, asked journalists to understand that healthy competition in journalism sector is crucial for consolidation of democracy and said that if this happened the anti-democratic elements will easily be weakened.

Violence, killings and other terrorist activities are always against the interest of the country and the people, he said, adding the pro-democracy journalists have an important role to play in making the people conscious about this.

Stating that responsible political parties should unite to rid the country of violence and terror, he said journalists, in their turn, should help build an environment in which leaders of all political parties will unite for the cause of the nation and the people.

His Majesty’s Government is positive towards the legitimate demands of the npu, he said, adding he is aware of the matter concerning telephone facility to journalists and allotment of land in the media village for construction of the NPU building.

Describing the B. P. Koirala journalism award instituted by NPU as a milestone in promoting Nepali journalism, Prime Minister Koirala pledged financial assistance for setting up a revolving fund for the award.

The delegation led by NPU central president Kulchandra Wagle included union treasurer Surya Nepal, central member Bitu K.C., Ravi Kiran Koirala and Sharada Poudel.

Meanwhile, NPU central action committee convenor Murari Kumar Sharma and members Tarun Poudel and Shital Koirala presented a memorandum on the NPU’s 15-point demand to the Prime Minister today.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the government is sensitive to the demands. He also assured the NPU of gradual fulfilment of the demands.