Media Alliance lambasts CAAN move

Media Alliance Nepal has expressed serious concern over the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s move of seeking clarification vis-a-vis the news published in Annapurna Post daily under the Annapurna Media Network (AMN) over air service disruptions in far-flung regions of the country.

Issuing a press statement, the alliance said the clarification CAAN has sought from AMN Chair Capt Rameshwor Thapa on the charge of ‘abusing publication rights’ is a direct violation of the freedom of the press and the freedom of thought and expression as well as a violation of editorial freedom.

Unconstitutional interference with independent media is unacceptable, it said, condemning CAAN and its leader’s illegal action against the media advocating for the rule of law and the Constitution.

There is a separate legal provision to seek redress for the media content published/broadcasted, it pointed out. An unrelated agency is demanding clarification over a matter beyond its jurisdiction from an unrelated individual, it said, adding, “This is a case of abuse of authority.”

The Media Alliance cautioned CAAN leadership against the abuse of authority and urged it to withdraw the clarification and respect the freedom of the press and freedom of thought and expression enshrined in the Constitution. Earlier, the Press Council Nepal wrote to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation over CAAN’s act of seeking a written clarification from AMN regarding news reports published in the daily.

CAAN introduced a policy to suspend air services in remote districts after 12 pm starting July 31. This decision affected remote and mountainous regions of Nepal where flights offer a lifeline for people needing urgent medical attention.  
Regrettably, due to the absence of air services, four children lost their lives in remote regions of Karnali province as they couldn’t receive timely medical care due to CAAN’s new policy.

After Annapurna Post, a sister publication of ApEx, highlighted the hardships facing people living in far-flung areas, the issue garnered considerable attention.

Despite appeals from the Chief Minister of Karnali province, the federal Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, political leaders and local representatives, CAAN chose not to lift air service restrictions. Instead, it targeted the media for exposing what was perceived as a misguided and callous decision.