FM stations across the country are halting broadcasting for two minutes today at 7 p.m. protesting the forceful confiscation of equipment at Kantipur FM, a private radio station based in Kathmandu, by government’s security officials Friday night.

The one day national conference of FM radio stations held in Chitwan on Saturday took the decision to this effect expressing commitment to jointly protest against the government’s attack on Kantipur FM.

Issuing a seven-point declaration, the conference has directed all FM stations to defy the recently promulgated media ordinance.

The conference also cautioned all FM stations to be aware of the government’s “divide and rule” policy. The declaration has asked all free radio stations in the country to join hands for a common cause.

Before the conference the FM radio representatives organized a protest rally in Narayangadh.

Meanwhile the government has directed officials of all FM stations to be present for a meeting at the Ministry today. According to reports FM stations have been called for the meeting at different times. However some FM stations have not been called.

The conference also decided to move to the Court against the government’s action on Kantipur FM.