Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has strongly condemned the recent attacks on media houses, including Kantipur, by royalist protesters. Speaking during his visit to Kantipur Television’s office on Saturday, Lekhak expressed his firm commitment to ensuring the safety of media personnel and facilitating their work without disruption.

The violence occurred on Friday during a pro-monarchy demonstration in Tinkune, where protesters clashed with the police and resorted to vandalism and arson. Several media outlets, including Kantipur, were targeted during the unrest. The attackers threw stones at buildings, and an attempt was made to set fire to the Annapurna Media Network’s office. A fire was also set at a building in Tinkune, where Avenues Television journalist Suresh Rajak tragically lost his life.

Lekhak condemned the actions, describing them as criminal. “Kantipur is one of the leading media houses in the country, which has long worked for strengthening democracy. What happened yesterday was utterly condemnable and worthy of strong criticism,” he said. He added that the attacks had no justification in any political or philosophical ideology, calling them a direct assault on the country’s democratic values.

Home Minister Lekhak stated that security forces were compelled to act when the situation spiralled out of control, with the use of force necessary to protect public safety.

He shared that an investigation was underway to apprehend those responsible for the violence. Minister Lekhak assured that all those involved in the illegal activities would face consequences. “Anyone involved in criminal activities will be held accountable. Investigations are ongoing, and the authorities will take appropriate action against the perpetrators,” he affirmed.

The pro-monarchy demonstrations, which were initially planned as peaceful protests, turned violent, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including journalist Rajak. One of the protesters, Sabin Maharjan, also succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident.

In the aftermath of the violence, Lekhak, who visited the incident sites, including the offices of Kantipur TV and the Annapurna Post, vowed to ensure that media houses operate without fear, reassuring journalists of the government’s commitment to their safety.