Mahara seeks FNJ's help in resolving media dispute; court orders union not to disrupt newspapers

Krishna Bahadur Mahara, senior Maoist leader and Minister for Information and Communication, has urged the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) to help facilitate resolution in the disputes in media organisations.

Following widespread criticism against pro-Maoist unions for disrupting publishing of The Himalayan Times and Annapurna Post dailies and Radio HBC FM, Mahara has urged the unions to find out negotiated settlement.

Meanwhile, the Patan Appellate Court, on Wednesday, has issued a stay order directing the All Nepal Communication, Press and Publication Workers' Union not to disrupt the distribution of THT and AP dailies.

In response to a petition filed by Asia Pacific Communication Associates (APCA) Nepal, a division bench of judges Krishna Prasad Basyal and Hari Bahadur Basnet issued the order following Wednesday's hearing.

"It is not appropriate to obstruct the distribution of newspapers which violates the constitutional and legal rights of people to get information," the bench said. It also urged for negotiated settlement of the problems. nepalnews.com sd Aug 15 07

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