Nepal PM denies media attack role

Prachanda pledged an investigation into the incident

Nepal's Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda has denied any involvement in an attack on one of the country's biggest newspaper publishing houses.

The weekend attack on Himal Media had been blamed on dozens of workers from unions linked to the governing Maoists.

However, Prachanda told Nepal media the attack was by "immoral agents" who had "infiltrated" the Maoists.

The UN and US have both criticised the violence, in which journalists were assaulted and the office ransacked.

'Bad name'

Dozens of attackers had demanded the reinstatement of Maoist-affiliated employees who had been sacked recently.

Some reports said they were also angry at coverage critical of the Maoists.

Himal Media said the attack had nothing to do with labour relations but was an effort by the Maoists to control the media.

"This is a direct attack on free press and democracy," said Kunda Dixit, editor of the Nepali Times, which is published by Himal Media.

Quoted in Nepal media, Prachanda said there would be an investigation into the incident and action taken against the perpetrators.

"There are people who in the guise of the Maoists are engaged in giving a bad name to the party," Prachanda was quoted as saying.

"Our party is constantly struggling to rid the party of these elements."

Hundreds of journalists marched through the capital, Kathmandu, on Monday in protest at the attack.

The US embassy said: "There is no justification for the use of violence and intimidation by any party or organisation in an attempt to control the media or threaten freedom of the press in Nepal."

The Maoists became the largest parliamentary party in April's elections after ending a decade-long civil war.