President of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Govinda Acharya has demanded that the government amended the provision in the Information Technology (IT) Bill that intends to curtail the rights of the citizens.

Addressing an interaction programme organized jointly by the FNJ, Nepal Bar Association, and Non-Governmental Organization Federation here Tuesday, Acharya argued the IT Bill was not acceptable since it had infringed upon the rights of public who had actively contributed in the political movement of the country. Stating that many provisions in the Bill had a motive to curb people’s freedom of speech, he warned that the FNF would be firm on its stance until the government considered an amendment on those barring provisions.

Similarly, Nepal Bar Association’s President Chandeshwor Shrestha underscored the need for the government to hold an all-round consultation with the stakeholders before introducing any bill.

Arguing that Nepal needs new laws to enact the constitution but any bill attempting to curtail the citizens’ rights are not acceptable, he said, adding that government’s decision to form IT Court was against the spirit of constitution.

Likewise, NGO Federation’s President Jitram Lama called for collective efforts among the civil society to further protect the rights of the people and strengthen democracy. He was of the view that the government was attempting to clamp down on the freedom of the public through the bills.

The other participants at the event univocally advanced the cause of freedom of speech. They also suggested the government to consider holding consultations with the stakeholders and amend on those freedom-curtailing provisions in the IT Bill.