Nepal: Community Radio Sector Shocked By Killing Of Broadcaster

 26 July 2010

An unidentified group has shot dead Chairperson of community radio station - Radio Tulsipur -  Hemraj Dhital at Jashpur, Dang district, some 500 km west of capital Kathmandu at around 7:30 pm on 22 July 2010.  

The assailants shot three bullets at his chest and he died while undergoing treatment in hospital. No one has claimed the responsibility for the attack. Also the motive behind the attack is not known yet.

The ongoing attacks, threats and harassment of media personnel and organisations are having a chilling effect on press freedom in the country. Free and open debate is being undermined with journalists and media being forced into self-censorship, seriously jeopardizing the peace and democratization process currently underway in the country, says  AMARC Asia-Pacific in a statement.

 Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal (ACORAB) has strongly condemned the killing, urged the government to investigate on the case immediately and take action against the culprits as per the law.

ACORAB also extended heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members. Moreover, Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Broadcasting Association of Nepal (BAN) and several organizations have deplored the inhumane killing of Dhital.

 Four-member “Fact Finding Mission” of ACORAB at the leadership of Vice President (Central Region) Ngima Tamang Pakhrin has already reached Dang. Based on the findings of the visit, ACORAB will take necessary actions.

 Forty-two year old Dhital had been Chairperson of Radio Tulsipur for five year. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Source: AMARC