Last rites of murdered journalist after 4 years

Kathmandu, Aug 2 (UNI) Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has demanded strong action against the Maoists cadres, who are alleged to have killed journalist Dekendra Thapa four-years-ago, at a time the Maoists have been preparing to form a new government.

FNJ organisied condolence meetings in various districts today, coinciding with the funeral of Thapa, who was allegedly killed by the Maoists in their captivity four-year-ago.

His last rites were performed after a rally in Dailekh Bazaar in mid western Nepal, where he was kidnapped by the Maoists and later killed. Thapa's remains were exhumed recently with the help of forensic experts and human rights workers.

Journalists and local political leaders in Dailekh districts demanded independent probe into the murder, and urged the Maoist leadership to help take legal action against the party cadres involved in Thapa's kidnapping and subsequent murder, a nepal news reporter said.

Speaking at a programme organised by FNJ at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu today, treasurer Ramesh Bista demanded that the government immediately launch probe into his murder and book the culprits.

FNJ, which is the umbrella organisation of journalists in Nepal, has also demanded that the government provide Rs one million relief assistance to Thapa family, and name the Suekhet-Dailekh road as 'Dekendra Thapa Road' as a tribute to the slain journalist, among others.

Bringing out the issue of murder and threat by the Maoists at a time the former rebels are trying to form a government has created difficulties to garner enough support to get simple majority in the CA.

The Maoists have 227 seats in the 601 members CA as no any major party including the Nepali Congress, UML and MJF are ready to support it saying that the Maoists has deceived in the presidential election.

President Ram Baran Yadav has invited the Maoists to form a government.

UNI XC LPB AKJ KP2131