Suspicious vehicles parked outside media houses, spark concern over press freedom

Several media houses in Kathmandu witnessed suspicious vehicle parking incidents on Monday, with vehicles reportedly placed near office gates in a manner that obstructed access and raised concerns about possible attempts to pressure or intimidate the media.

The incidents drew attention after vehicles were found parked outside the entrances of major media organisations, including the office of Kantipur Media Group in Tinkune and Onlinekhabar office at New Baneshwar and Himalaya Television at Mid-Baneshwar. Questions are now raised over the identity of those involved and the motive behind the move with drivers fleeing the scene after parking the vehicles. 

A suspicious vehicle has also been reported parked outside the residence of Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) responded to the incidents by urging the government and security agencies to investigate the matter and take action against those responsible. RSP General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya said that independent and fearless journalism is essential to democracy and that any attempt to create fear among media organisations should be condemned.

In its statement, the party called for an immediate and impartial investigation, demanding that the individuals involved in such activities be identified and dealt with according to the law.

The vehicle parking incidents occurred amid growing political tensions following public criticism and protests linked to recent events in Kathmandu including the handling of landless families and the tragic self-immolation of a youth, which further intensified public debate and scrutiny of political leadership. 

Some reports have also raised questions over possible links between individuals involved and political groups, including claims that some vehicles may have connections with RSP supporters, mainly Prime Minister Balendra Shah. However, the identities and intentions of all those involved is yet to be ascertained.

According to Kantipur, the vehicle left outside its office was found to be used by Ravi Jaiswal, a member of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) aligned with the Balen Shah faction.

Media organisations and journalists have expressed concern that such actions could create an environment of fear and affect the ability of the press to work freely.

Authorities have been urged to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure the safety of media institutions while upholding constitutional protections for press freedom.