Eminent South Asian personalities have endorsed the on-going visit of ‘International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal’ and have called for restoration of democracy and press freedom in the country. Former Prime Minister of India, I. K. Gujral, senior Indian journalist, Kuldip Nayar, Chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Asma Jehangir and editor of Daily Times in Pakistan Najam Sethi have written endorsements supporting the restoration of democracy and press freedom in Nepal and expressed their full trust in the endeavors of the International Mission.
Taking serious note of the King’s attitude in what he called refusal to listen to the dissenting voices for press freedom in Nepal from all parts of the world, former Indian premier Gujral called the administrative policies “ruthless and suppressive”. He appreciated the role of Nepali media in the fight for press freedom and freedom of expression and also valued its role in advocating journalists’ rights, said a press statement issued by the IPF Mission.
Mr. Gujral also gave a clarion call to all the South Asian countries saying, “I join the media of Nepal and the other South Asian countries to protest against the suppressive and anti-democratic policies of the Nepal administration”.
Asma Jahangir acknowledged the role of Nepali press in being resilient, alert and independent after the King seized absolute power on 1 February 2005, with the conviction that such pressures would only make the journalists stronger. She expressed full solidarity with the struggle of journalists for press freedom in Nepal and said “I fully endorse the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal and demand immediate lifting of all curbs on fundamental human rights and press freedom”.
Najam Sethi wrote an editorial in the Daily Times on 6 March supporting the Mission and its activities in seeking press freedom in Nepal. He gave an overview of the situation expressing grave concern on the rising number of attacks on the press. He also wished those Nepali journalists who “wish to pursue their profession honestly” success in their struggle.
Kuldip Nayar stated that it is a matter of shame that 13 months after King Gyanendra seized power the media in Nepal continues to be under all kinds of pressure. He conveyed surprise at the attitude of the Monarchy that it was not ready to give up its policy of repression despite the protest of several international organisations. “Muzzling the press results in muzzling the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, delegates of the IPF mission joined Nepali journalists at a symbolic protest programme organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Addressing the function, Asia Pacific director of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Jacquelin Park said the brave struggle being carried out by the Nepali journalists was an inspiration for journalists around the world. She said the international media community would stand by Nepali journalists in their struggle for press freedom as long as it takes.
In his brief speech, Jesper Hojberg of the International Media Support (IMS) said the IPF mission had visited Nepal to show its solidarity for the cause of press freedom in Nepal. He also called upon Nepali journalists to rally together for the cause of freedom of press and freedom of expression in the country.
Addressing the sit-in protest, president of FNJ Bishnu Nisthuri said the government’s repression on media continued, though in a different form and style, ever since the royal takeover of February 1, last year. He said the FNJ would continue to lead the struggle for the restoration of democracy and press freedom in the country.