Kathmandu, 18 February: Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has said that the Social Media Bill should not be passed as is. Inaugurating the national conference of branch presidents of the Nepal Press Union, leader Dr. Koirala said that freedom of expression should not be controlled in the name of regulating social media. “The government should take this matter seriously,” he said.
Leader Dr. Koirala expressed his objection when the government brought the ordinance just a few days before the start of the parliament. He said that the government should be warned about the actions that are not acceptable.
Nepali Congress central member Narayan Prakash Saud said that the press is working to bring people’s issues to the central level for debate. Stating that journalists and political party workers need to have discretion and restraint, he said that social media should be regulated.
“Freedom of expression should not be prohibited or restricted in the name of regulating social media,” said leader Saud. MP Rajendra Bajgain said that any law that restricts the press should not be passed. Former president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Harihar Birahi, stressed that journalists should work towards protecting press freedom as well as civil rights.
Former president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Taranath Dahal, said that journalists should not be distracted by becoming an integral part of the government. He said that since the issue of constitutional amendment has not been raised from the perspective of the people on the ground, the press should play a role in bringing such issues.
Federation President Nirmala Sharma emphasized that laws should not be made that would stifle freedom of expression. She said that the press should be strengthened to strengthen democracy. President Sharma said that the Federation is taking initiatives to provide minimum wages to journalists.
Former President of Nepal Press Union Kiran Pokharel said that journalists should be vigilant for civil liberties. President of Community Radio Broadcasters Association Arjun Giri stressed on the need to strengthen the media to strengthen democracy. Senior Vice President of the Federation Deepak Acharya said that the government should withdraw the Social Media Bill registered in the Parliament. Nepal Press Union President Shiva Lamsal and Vice President Nakul Aryal provided information about the conference’s proposals.
