Kathmandu, Oct 29: Journalists in Nepal are facing increasing threats from both government troops and Maoist rebels since the collapse of a ceasefire in August, media At least 42 journalists have been detained by soldiers since the rebels unilaterally broke a 7-month-old cease fire and resumed attacks in august, said Taranath Dahal of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists.
Meanwhile, three journalists have disappeared and the rebels have allegedly driven other journalists from their homes for writing articles against them. "Journalists are facing threats from both the government and the rebels and we have reports coming in every day about journalists being taken in custody," Dahal said.
Dahal said his group was monitoring all the journalists under detention. Many of them were released after a few days, but some were allegedly tortured while in custody. "We have been seeking help from all national and intentional rights group to help us stop the government from harassing journalists," he said.
In response, Paris-based reporters without borders has asked the government to stop what it called are arrests, murders and kidnappings of journalists in this Himalayan kingdom. Bureau Report