Nepal govt blocks 30 websites

KATHMANDU: Extending its media clampdown to cyberspace, Nepal's Royal government has blocked 30 websites, including those carrying news, a group of international media outfits claimed here.
   
The Royal Nepalese Army has blocked the news-based websites through verbal or written orders given to Internet Service Providers, The International Media Mission said.
   
Security personnel have been constantly monitoring the operation of the ISPs in a bid to control flow of information, according to the mission that comprised of 12 international media organisations and was in Nepal on a week’s visit from March 19.
   
It urged the Royal Nepalese Army to withdraw the verbal and written orders given to ISPN to block access to these websites.
    
The International Media Mission also conveyed its concern to Home Minister Kamal Thapa and Information and Communication State Minister Shris Rana on "suppression" of media by the government and urged them to "end the curbs and stop harassment of journalists".