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This attack shows a rising and disturbing trend in Nepal, which has created an environment of threat, intimidation and violence against journalists, writers and publishers who dare to be critical of the Maoists. The former rebels who promised to leave violence behind and participate whole-heartedly in the country’s democratic process, so far, seem to completely ignore the importance of the free press and citizen’s right to information.
The recent issue of Himal Magazine carried an in-depth report on how Maoist affiliated trade unions and their activists engage in threatening legitimate business owners, industrialists and journalists for political or personal gains. It is widely speculated that the comrades were not too pleased about the report and so, launched the brazen attack.
Earlier in November, Himal Media’s distributors and Chief Executive Officer Ashutosh Tiwari were attacked by some “unknown group of people” in capital Kathmandu.
The latest attack on Himal has prompted fierce reaction from leaders of major political parties, prominent social figures, activists and international organizations. The Maoist leadership, however, is quiet about the incident.
However, the silent approach taken by the party leadership has not stopped Maoist labor union leader Salikram Jammakattel from congratulating the violent comrades. Jammakattel, who is also a member of the Constituent Assembly said, “everybody speaks about rights of the feudal and industrialists but ignores the workers who took us to this place.” His comments effectively condone violence against those who disagree with his party or its philosophy and worse, his party continues to support him.
Mixed signals from the Maoists on the issue of free press remind me of the infamous political gang, the Gestapo. I am not trying to drag historical references to add to the melodrama or to make the debate spicier. Rather, the systematic nature of campaign against the press and dissent launched by the Maoists does show a disturbing similarity.
Adolf Hitler, when elected as leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, used “democracy” to kill people, silence the opposition and destroy the elements of “freedom” in society. Germany during World War II had a functioning press, but the ink was wasted praising the Fuehrer and his gang. Gestapo roamed the streets; free from any judicial oversight, they arrested people under the excuse of investigations to prevent treason and sabotage against the Nazi party.
In Nepal, Maoist activists are playing a role similar to that of the Gestapo. Member of the Young Communist League freely attack businesses and citizens for no reason. These YCL members carry out missions under the pretext of restoring law and order, but instead, end up terrorizing the public.
Then, there are groups affiliated with Maoist trade unions. These groups descend on business establishments and present ridiculous demands in order to intimidate the owners. If things do not go their way, they resort to violence. And, while they engage in these activities, they purport to stand for the rights of poor and hard working laborers stifled by feudal industrialists. How can the working class benefit if their places of employment are shut down?
The Maoist Gestapo rules with impunity in Nepal. Their attack against the free press proves their un-democratic ways and desires to stop those who disagree with them. In light of such scenarios, it is futile to hope for a strong step by the government to protect press freedoms in Nepal.
If Jammakattel votes to erase free speech in the new constitution, then, it is time people stood up to safeguard their rights.
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(Bhumika Ghimire is a freelance reporter. Her articles have been published at OhMyNews, NepalNews, Toward Freedom, Telegraph Nepal, Himal South Asian and ACM Ubiquity. She is also a regular contributor to News Front Weekly, in Kathmandu, and Nepal Abroad, in Washington D.C. She can be reached at bhumika_g@yahoo.com. ©Copyright Bhumika Ghimire.)
