Koirala says Maoist commitment towards press doubtful

Kathmandu, Mar 2 (ANI): Nepali Congress (NC) President Girija Prasad Koirala has said that Maoist's commitment towards press freedom and human rights is doubtful.

In his meeting with a delegation of Asian Journalist Association Media Mission here on Sunday Koirala said, "The Prime Minister says something and does something regarding the media."

Koirala also said his party is fully committed to press freedom while accusing the current Maoist Government of trying to curb free press. He said that the country's press is in danger because the current government has given protection instead of punishing those who have attacked press.

Koirala's statement comes a day after Prime Minister and Unified CPN (Maoist) Chairman Prachanda had alleged that the media organizations are trying to besiege the government.

Prachanda said the government is committed towards democratic principles, towards human rights, rule of law and press freedom. No one should doubt this.

He also requested the media to extend its support to the government at this difficult time of transition.

Earlier, Prachanda launched a blistering attack on what he called "big media outlets" having "large circulation", accusing them of writing negative news relating to the Maoists, Nepalnews reported. (ANI)