Journalist kidnapped by Maoist rebels

"CPJ calls for our colleague's immediate release," said CPJ executive director Ann Cooper. "We urge Nepalese rebel forces to guarantee the safety of journalists reporting on the current conflict."

It is unclear why Lama, who had previously maintained good relations with the Maoists, was targeted, according to local sources. However, both the Himalaya Times and Radio Nepal generally support the government.

Background

Since 1996, Maoist rebels have waged a "people's war" to abolish Nepal's constitutional monarchy. More than 2,500 people have died in the conflict, according to international news reports. Both government and rebel forces have been accused of abducting, detaining, and torturing civilians.

After the Maoists stepped up violent attacks last fall, the Nepalese government declared a state of emergency on November 26, 2001. Civil liberties, including press freedom, have been suspended since then. Government security forces have rounded up scores of journalists, human rights activists, and others for questioning.

On April 4, King Gyanendra announced that the government would relax emergency regulations limiting press freedom but would continue to prohibit reports that support the Maoists.