Nepal government turns deaf ear to Maoists

Kathmandu: Nepal's Royal Government has warned journalists against reporting Maoists activities.

"The government will treat anyone publishing and writing Maoist news and information as their accomplices and treat them accordingly," Home Minister, Kamal Thapa said at Birgunj yesterday.

The journalists, being conscious citizens of the country should not disseminate any news that creates panic in society and help terrorist activities was Thapa’s view.

Thapa also asked industrialists and businessmen not to respond to the Maoists call of transport strike and closure of industries from today.

The Home Minister sought help from the business and industrial communities to run their business and transport services as usual to help the government normalise the situation despite the Maoists' threat.

Thapa assured them of stepping up security and provide compensation in case of any loss due to the Maoists attacks.

Besides that, Thapa also added that the government has made necessary security arrangements to foil the Maoists' general strike and blockade.

He said that the government has arranged police escort and patrolling for security of bus transportation in the highway.

All possible arrangements have also been made to ensure the supply of daily essentials including petroleum products and medicines and foodstuff in all 75 districts of the country.