KATHMANDU: General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, asserted that the opposition must warn and stand against the government’s ‘anarchic behavior’.
Speaking at an event marking the 33rd anniversary of the Nepal Press Union (NPU), an alliance of democratic journalists, Thapa emphasized that political parties must uphold their integrity and responsibility to citizens, whether in power or opposition.
During the event titled ‘Significance of Media in Democracy’, Thapa stressed that addressing the misappropriation of cooperative funds should be a key agenda for the opposition, irrespective of the ruling party.
He reaffirmed the Nepali Congress’ commitment to securing justice for cooperative victims by advocating for a parliamentary committee to investigate the fraud.
Thapa expressed confidence that such a committee would be formed, ensuring that justice would be served and those guilty of fraud would face legal action.
He highlighted that the Nepali Congress has escalated its protests to the streets starting today to push for this cause.
The lawmaker pointed out that public trust in government institutions is waning due to a non-liberal approach masquerading as democracy.
He warned of the eroding faith in public entities and the threats to press freedom, urging vigilance.
NPU founder and former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Taranath Dahal, reflected on NPU’s formation on May 27, 1991, emphasizing its role in advocating for journalists’ rights.
He mentioned the arrest of media entrepreneur Kailash Sirohiya as a warning to pro-freedom forces and called for an end to attacks on the press.
NPU President Shiba Lamsal urged for fresh elections within FNJ, granting general membership to all journalists.
Socialist Press Association Chair Bishwamani Subedi criticized the police’s entry into Kantipur Daily to arrest Sirohiya, highlighting the threat to press freedom.
Other speakers, including Kiran Pokhrel, Badri Sigdel, Santosh Paudel, Arjun Giri, and Nakul Aryal, called for media solidarity to counter threats to press freedom.
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