Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government is committed to democracy, press freedom, human rights. He expressed such commitment during a meeting with the newly elected working committee of Nepal Media Society at his official residence in Baluwater, Kathmandu.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Oli said some of the media have been trying to bring the government to disrepute over the decision to ban protest at Maitighar Mandala.  “Do you think Maitighar Mandala is a proper place for protest assembly and rally?” Oli questioned the Media Society office bearers. “How can the government be branded as anti-civilian freedom?”

Saying that his party, Nepal Community Party (NCP), is the father of democracy, Oli said it would be unimaginable to think that the very government led by NCP has been violating democracy, press freedom, and human rights.   

PM Oli, however, noted that the media has a greater role to keep the government in check and make the people aware. He expressed his disappointment at some of the media doing as they please while forgetting their responsibility. “The things written now should be true and relevant even after 10 years down the line,” he said.

The prime minister wished for a successful tenure to newly elected committee under Nepal Media Society under Chairman Shubha Shankar Kandel.  Outgoing Chairman of the society and Chairman and Managing Director of Kantipur Media Group, Kailash Sirohiya, among other former members were present during the meeting.