KATHMANDU, JUN 23 -
Various organisations, including the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the blocking of 1,000 metric tonnes of newsprint imported by Kantipur Publications at Kolkata port in India for the last 26 days.

In a statement, the FNJ said since the blocking of newsprint could affect publication of The Kathmandu Post and Kantipur dalies hampering people’s right to information, the government should take up the issue promptly. In a joint statement, Media Society Nepal, Television Broadcasters of Nepal, Broadcasting Association of Nepal and Community Radio Broadcasters’ Association took serious exception over the blockade.

“According to treaties and agreements signed between the two neighbours, India has no authority to block goods imported by Nepal via Indian ports,” the statements read. The media groups also voiced concern over the government’s apathy towards the incident despite the Publications’ repeated requests.

They demanded the government take initiatives for the release of the newsprint and uphold transit rights.

Similarly, several other organisations, including Freedom Forum Nepal, also expressed concern over the incident and urged the government to resort to diplomatic channels to solve the problem at the earliest.

Posted on: 2010-06-24 08:01

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