YCL attempts to abduct journo

Cadres of Maoist aligned Young Communist League (YCL) on Tuesday attempted to abduct Dristi Weekly’s journalist Madhav Basnet from his office and even threatened to kill him.

A group of about 12 YCL cadres entered the Bagbazar office of the weekly and asked Basnet to come with them. Only when Basnet telephoned YCL’s central coordinator Ganesh Man Pun did the cadres leave, reports said.

A group of Maoist cadres had also encircled the office of the weekly on orders of YCL central member Prabhat and Solokhumbu coordinator Rajendra.

Journalist Basnet had left the Maoist party three years ago. He said the YCL cadres tried to abduct him after he declined the offer from the party to rejoin the organization.

Issuing a statement, Editor of Dristi weekly Shambhu Shrestha denounced the incident. “The YCL activities has seriously flouted press freedom,” he said.

Press Chautari Nepal has also denounced the incident. nepalnews.com ag Aug 15 07