14 arrested during scribes' protest in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nov 4: At least 14 journalists were arrested during a demonstration by Nepalese mediapersons today, agitating against the government' s failure to make public the whereabouts of scribe Birendra Sah, who was abducted by Maoist cadres from Bara district last month.

Journalists around the country are protesting the abduction by tying black band around their face as part of the nationwide protest programme.

While demonstrating at the southern entrance of the Singha Durbar, the scribes chanted slogans demanding resignation of the Home Minister and condemning the Maoist atrocity. They also urged the Members of Parliament to express solidarity with their protest.

The police intervened and arrested 14 journalists. It also baton charged to disperse the demonstration, Kantipuronline reported.

One of the journalists, Deepak Rijal has been injured. Those arrested include Federation of Nepalese Journalists' (FNJ) scribes.

During a press conference held at the police headquarters earlier today, DIG KB Rana informed that the police have been probing the case and would publicise the truth soon. Maoist cadre Kundan Phaujdar admitted yesterday that he had abducted Sah as per the direction of the party.

UNI