Leading private sector newspapers published from Kathmandu have asked the government not to suppress popular movement that is calling for restoration of peace and democracy in the country and open dialogue with the opposition parties without further delay.

In its editorial titled ‘Defiance of the Curfew,’ Kantipur—a leading Nepali language daily– said the restrictive measures adopted by the government have been futile to suppress the agitation of the parties that is gradually turning into people’s movement.

“Upon failing to enforce the curfew, the (royal) government should have resigned immediately on moral ground, failure of which led the parties to extend their call for nationwide general strike,” the editorial said. The daily—that is extensively covering the pro-democracy movement—warned that the government may have to face the international judicial court if it continues to suppress people’s voice and violating people’s civic and political rights.”

Another leading daily, Nepal Samacharpatra, known for its pro-palace leaning said in its editorial, “The repressive measures adopted by the state has invigorated enthusiasm among the agitators, which may lead to dangerous political collusion and unexpected incident in the country.”

“Upon failing to enforce the curfew, the (royal) government should have resigned immediately on moral ground, failure of which led the parties to extend their call for nationwide general strike.”
— Kantipur editorial

The Annapurna Post daily, in its editorial, stated that the use of force was the main cause of instigating political chaos and intensifying conflict at this time. The daily alleged that the government had taken the activities of the parties very lightly and in ‘squeezed mentality’.

However, Rajdhani daily—known for supporting the government– feared that the movement could turn violent with the increasing support from the Maoists.

The leading private sector dailies urged the government to look into the matter more seriously and stop use of force to suppress voices of the people. The newspapers sharply criticized the government’s action to ban issuing curfew passes to private media houses to cover the incidents during curfew hours. “Government is biased towards the media,” the Annapurna Post daily said. “Nepali media sector would face further challenge to fulfill its professional responsibilities,” Kantipur daily added.

As expected, the government-owned daily came out defending the government’s action. The Rising Nepal daily, in its editorial on Monday alleged the political parties of acting irresponsibly and resorting to disruptive activities. “The government has to look for the welfare and security of the people and having tried all options, it was compelled to impose the curfew in the interest of the common people,” the daily said. nepalnews.com Indra Adhikari Apr 10 06