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The violent arson attack on the headquarters of Annapurna Media Network (AMN) is a direct assault on press freedom and democracy. Had the police and security forces not acted swiftly, the situation could have escalated into a devastating tragedy.

Supporters of the pro-monarchy movement stormed our offices, reportedly acting on direct instructions from certain leaders. Their rampage led to extensive vandalism and arson, causing significant damage to our building and infrastructure. Both domestic and international stakeholders must take note—this was not a mere protest but a deliberate attack on independent journalism. Even during the Maoist insurgency and King Gyanendra Shah’s suppression of democracy in 2005, we did not face such a blatant act of violence.

Nepal’s Constitution guarantees press freedom, ranking among the highest in South Asia. However, in practice, independent media houses like ours are facing increasing threats, intimidation, and harassment. These pressures have led to a growing environment of self-censorship. Despite any imperfections, for over three decades, Nepali independent media has exposed corruption, highlighted irregularities, and held those in power accountable. We have consistently defended sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law—positions that make us a target for corrupt, autocratic, and extremist groups.

We acknowledge concerns regarding media accuracy, balance, and credibility and remain committed to upholding journalistic integrity. However, maintaining ethical journalism does not mean staying silent in the face of such attacks. The events of March 29 were not just an attack on AMN but on the very foundation of democracy. If anyone attempts to silence us through violence, we will respond with our strongest weapon—our words, not force. We stand for peaceful political discourse and pluralism but caution the government against suppressing civil and political rights. There is a clear distinction between political activism and terror activities, and what transpired in Tinkune was an act of creating terror, not politics.

While it may be difficult to establish a direct link between this attack and former king Gyanendra, politically, the connection is evident. On Democracy Day (Falgun 7), he urged the public to support him, triggering a wave of protests. A day before the attack, on March 28, he met with key figures of the movement. Given his history—when he seized power on February 1, 2005, and brutally suppressed press freedom—we have every reason to question his commitment to democracy, freedom of speech, and civil liberties. He must clarify his position regarding these incidents.

This is not the first attack we have endured. Over the past three decades, we have faced threats during the Maoist insurgency, the Madhes movement, and Gyanendra’s direct rule. Even in recent months, political parties like the Rastriya Swatantra Party have attempted to intimidate us for exposing financial misconduct.

In a democracy, every citizen has the right to engage in politics, seek governance, and shape public opinion, but these rights must be exercised peacefully and within the law. No individual or group is above the democratic system, and violence has no place in political discourse. Annapurna Media Network has always stood at the forefront of defending democracy and ensuring political accountability. No amount of intimidation will deter us from our mission. We firmly believe that democracy and republicanism are the ultimate safeguards of press freedom, human rights, and civil liberties—and we will continue to uphold these values, no matter the cost.

The silence of the international community on this blatant attack on press freedom is deeply concerning. At a time when democratic values are under threat, their failure to condemn such violence only emboldens those who seek to suppress the press.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai 

Editor 

Various organizations have condemned the vandalism and violence during the Friday's demonstrations by the supporters of ex-king Gyanendra Shah. 

They decried the losses of property and human lives in the course of the demonstrations followed by vandalism, attacks and arson in Tinkune of Kathmandu on March 28. 

They have demanded bringing those responsible for such inhumane incidents to justice with due compensations for the losses. 

Issuing a press statement today, the Democratic Thought Society said, "Such violent demonstrations are against the democratic standards and thus condemnable, and punishable by law." 

Similarly, the  Nepal Chamber of Commerce termed that such activities are also capable of negatively affecting the nation's economy. 

The Human Rights and Peace Society condemned the incident, stating: "The restoration of monarchy is impossible in the country as civic supremacy and freedom is the lifeline of democracy." 

The call to restore monarchy is against human civilization and freedom, the Society concluded. 

It may be noted that video journalist Suresh Rajak was killed in an incident of arson at a private house during the demonstration in Tinkune. In addition to the killing of Rajak, demonstrators also vandalized the Annapurna Media Group building at Tinkune, set it on fire, attempted a forced entry into the Kantipur Television building, and threw stones, causing terror in the newsroom. A vehicle owned by Himalayan Television was also damaged.

Similarly, as stated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, person indentified as Sabin Maharjan of Kirtipur was killed and 35 others injured in clashes with police during the violent demonstration organized by the supporters of the ex-king in the federal capital.

Nepal has urged the United Nations to support the country for the development of technology and sustainable tourism.

A delegation of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), which is presently on the Europe trip, made a call for this during its meeting with the UN Tourism official at Madrid of Spain.

The delegation led by Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Binod Prakash Singh acknowledged the UN support so far, calling for additional cooperation in technology specifically in the area of artificial intelligence, digital innovation and sustainable tourism development.

During a recent meeting with Harry Hwang, Director, Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Nepali delegation's visit to the UN Tourism Headquarters was historic being the first one, pledging the continuity of the UN cooperation to Nepal. He urged Nepal to actively engage in UN tourism related activities and come up with formal proposals with the statement of priorities for additional support.

Director General of the Department of Tourism, Dr Narayan Prasad Regmi, apprised that Nepal is committed to further consolidating the partnership with the UN tourism body to promote the bilateral tourism relations.

Nepal needs the support of UN Tourism to improve its tourism policy, promote inclusive tourism and ensure just distributions of tourism benefits.

The NTB representatives highlighted Nepal's potential for adventure tourism, eco-tourism and rural tourism. "Nepal needs the UN projects and further cooperation to take its tourism industry to a new height," they said.

Prior to this, the NTB organized a promotional program highlighting Nepal's tourism destinations in collaboration with the Nepali Embassy in Spain.

The event aimed to enhance the tourism relations between Nepal and Spain was attended by tour and travel entrepreneurs and media persons.

On the occasion, Nepal's ambassador to Spain, Sanil Nepal, talked about the long-standing relations between Nepal and Spain.

NTB senior manager Khadga Bikram Shah gave his presentation focusing on Nepal's natural beauty, adventurous tourism, cultural heritages and hospitality services, suggesting that Nepal could be a major touristic destination for the Spaniards.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a financing package of USD 150 million for Nepal’s Third Bridges Improvement and Maintenance Program (BIMP-III). The support is to help strengthen the resilience of bridges in the Strategic Road Network, ensuring safer and uninterrupted connectivity across the country’s diverse and challenging terrain. 

Nepal's bridge system serves as critical lifelines connecting remote and urban communities to essential services, including healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Vulnerabilities caused by frequent climate-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes severely affect the bridge infrastructure.

The program, led by Nepal’s Department of Roads, will focus on climate-resilient measures such as enhanced structural designs and innovative technologies, including real-time monitoring systems to safeguard bridges against extreme weather events. The program will also support bridge designs prioritizing accessibility for all users, connecting marginalized communities to vital services, according to a press release issued by the Bank today.

Meanwhile, Division Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka David Sislen has said the resilience of Nepal’s bridge network is fundamental for safe and sustained connectivity. This program emphasizes resilient infrastructure development and promoting access to markets and services for vulnerable communities while promoting Nepal’s sustainable growth.

The program includes capacity-building initiatives for the Department of Roads, promoting innovative solutions and strengthening institutional systems for effective infrastructure management.