Home Minister Lekhak condemns attack on Annapurna Media Network
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has condemned the physical attack on Annapurna Media Network by pro-monarchy protesters.
Home Minister Lekhak, accompanied by Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Inspector General of Nepal Police Deepak Thapa, and Inspector General of Armed Police Raju Aryal, inspected the office of Annapurna Post in Tinkune on Saturday morning.
Pro-monarchy supporters vandalized the office of Annapurna Media Network during a protest in Tinkune on Friday.
The protesters had also attempted to set fire the office of Annapurna Media Network.
After taking stock of the incident, Home Minister Lekhak said that the attack on the media house was condemnable and that anyone involved in the incident would be brought to justice.
Inspector General of Nepal Police Thapa said the physical attack on Annapurna Media Network was condemnable.
Annapurna Media Network General Manager Manoj Basnet informed the team, including Home Minister Lekhak, about the incident.
Mob attacks Annapurna Media Network
A protest organized by pro-monarchy supporters in Kathmandu turned violent and destructive. A mob systematically attacked the Annapurna Media Network (AMN) Tower at Tinkune, Kathmandu. The protest escalated quickly as individuals threw stones, breaking windows and attempting to ignite a fire inside the building. This vicious attack severely damaged the exterior of the AMN building and endangered the lives of the reporters as well as employees working inside. The incident has raised grave concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nepal, particularly as AMN has long been a respected and independent media outlet committed to providing unbiased and reliable news.
In addition to targeting AMN, the protestors also set fire to and caused significant damage to several commercial and residential properties in the Tinkune area.
Annapurna Media Network is calling for immediate action from both the national and international communities to ensure the protection of journalists and the safeguarding of media institutions. This assault is being viewed as an attack on democratic values and free press, requesting global media rights organizations to strongly condemning the violence. AMN remains committed to its mission of responsible journalism but stresses the urgent need for collective efforts to protect press freedom in Nepal and prevent future attacks on media houses and other corporate entities. The General Manager of Annapurna Media Network condemned the act, stating, “The attack on a reputed media house is an act of terrorism. We strongly condemn such violent and terrorist activities against independent media organizations. We call upon national and international organizations to stand with us in solidarity, and we urge the government to take strict action against those responsible for this horrific act of violence.” AMN seeks the support of all relevant national and international entities to ensure justice and security for media professionals in Nepal.
House meeting postponed till March 30
A meeting of the House of Representatives called for today has been postponed till 11 am on March 30.
A notice issued today by the General-Secretary of the Federal Parliament reads that today's meeting called for 11 am was rescheduled for 1:15 pm, but postponed till Sunday citing a special reason.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire scheduled the time for the next meeting as per the House of Representatives Regulations, 2079 BS.
Pro-monarchy protesters hurl stones at the office of Annapurna Post
Pro-monarchy protestors hurled stones at the office in Annapurna Post in Tinkune on Friday.
They started throwing stones at the office of Annapurna Post after police dispersed them from Tinkune.
Later, they vandalized and set ablaze a house in Tinkune.
A clash ensued after police intercepted the protesters from crossing the prohibited area. Security personnel also fired teargas shells to take the situation under control.
