Maoist leaders promised that the party would not physically attack journalists and that they are committed to press freedom.

Talking with officials of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Maoist Politburo member Matrika Prasad Yadav said, “Our party is totally committed to press freedom, but the freedom should at times be relative and take account of the people.”

Yadav showed sorrow over some incidents when the Maoists physically attacked journalists or obstructed them from doing their duty and admitted that the party had to face criticism because “they failed to train their activists properly”.

Earlier, the FNJ officials urged the Maoist leadership to show commitment to press freedom, to allow media persons access to areas of information and to provide compensation for the family of murdered journalists.

The umbrella organization of journalists also urged the rebels for the rehabilitation of displaced journalists, felicitation of journalists killed during armed conflict by Maoists, appropriate compensation to the family members of such journalists, and appropriate action against the culprits.

Meanwhile, the FNJ has expressed alarm over the pressure by Maoist affiliated All Nepal Trade Union (Revolutionary) to Radio Birgunj and Kalika FM.

Issuing a statement on Sunday, FNJ has said the issues raised by the union are already being discussed by the federation with the relevant radio stations and the government in order to protect professional rights of journalists.