Communist Party Leader Pampa Bhusal Stresses Unity for Republic, Constitution, Press Freedom

Kathmandu. Nepali Communist Party leader Pampa Bhusal has stated that unity among transformative forces is necessary to protect the federal democratic republic, constitution, and press freedom. Addressing a program organized on the occasion of the establishment day and statute convention of the Nepal Press Union, she mentioned that challenges to democracy and press freedom have increased in the current political situation. 

Leader Bhusal, discussing the role played by the journalist community in historical movements, said that press freedom is not just for a particular party but is a cornerstone of citizen rights and democracy. She also accused the state of trying to curtail press freedom and citizen rights recently. Expressing concern over the act of depriving media of welfare advertisements and narrowing them down, she termed it a 'challenge of counter-revolution'.

Speaking at the program, she said, 'We have achieved the federal democratic republic on the foundation of the movements and sacrifices made by the Nepali people time and again. The contribution of organizations including the Press Union is invaluable to this achievement. Although there is no censorship like in the autocratic Panchayat system of the past, a different kind of fear is being created now. Weakening the press financially by withholding advertisements is one part of it.'

Mentioning that technical challenges like algorithms and deepfakes have been added to journalism with the development of information technology, leader Bhusal emphasized that the press community must become more responsible and professional to face such problems. Furthermore, she opined that all organizations including the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Press Union, Press Center, and Press Chautari should collaborate on a common agenda for the professional security, respect for labor, and professional interests of journalists. 

Leader Bhusal stated that the time has come for the forces that supported the 12-point agreement and the Comprehensive Peace Accord to unite again and protect the achievements made. She also expressed confidence that the statute convention of the Press Union will play an important role in strengthening the country and democracy by formulating timely policies.