Nepal
Eastern presses stalledPosted Apr 2 2008
Strikes by members of the Mahadhesis ethnic group stopped the presses in eastern Nepal Feb. 22. AsiaMedia reports six daily and six weekly newspapers in the district of Jhapa were shut down indefinitely due to a shortage of supplies and difficulties in distribution.
The United Democratic Mahadhesi Front has been carrying out a general strike in the Terai region since Feb. 13, affecting transportation, businesses and schools.
Protesters attacked the press and publication during the strikes and obstructed distribution of information, according to Nepal News. Several newspaper editors met with the agitators Feb. 21 to bring back supplies and guarantee the safety of journalists. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists chapter in Jhapa postponed their convention for the second time due to the effects of the strikes.
The UDMF party, which says it represents about half of the 27 million population, demands more participation in government decisions. The party says the southern plains region is underrepresented.
In April Nepal will hold its first elections since a 10-year insurgency with Maoist Communist party of Nepal ended in 2006. The UDMF has not entered candidates in the election, but the government has extended the deadline.
The International Press Institute opened a Press Freedom Monitoring Centre in Kathmandu Feb. 12. The center will monitor press freedom and freedom of expression in the months leading up to the election and try to increase international awareness of press violations in Nepal.