The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, AMARC expresses deep shock and anger at the murder of Devi Prasad Dhital (Hemraj)Chairman of Community Radio Tulsipur on 22^nd July 2010. According to initial reports, Dhital was shot at Urahari, about 12 kilometers from Tulsipur in western Nepal on Thursday around 8:45 p.m.

Dhital, a resident of Tulsipur bazaar was riding a motorcycle on his way back from the Fulbari VDC. He succumbed to chest injuries at the Rapti Zone Hospital, later in the night. His pillion rider sustained minor injuries. The assailants are absconding and the motive behind the attack is still unknown. Police sources have informed that investigation is underway.

"Hemraj's murder has shocked the entire community broadcasting sector of Nepal and we deplore such heinous criminal act," said Raghu Mainali, Vice President for South Asia in the AMARC Asia Pacific regional board. "I call upon the concerned authorities and the local police administration to not to leave any stone unturned to ensure that the absconding criminals are brought to justice. Media persons are increasingly under attack from criminal groups and any negligence in investigation will only encourage such elements," he further said.

Dhital was 45 and is survived by his wife, two daughters aged 7 and 9, a younger brother, and parents. AMARC expresses heartfelt condolences to Hemraj's family as well as to Radio Tulsipur at this time of great sorrow and loss.

About AMARC:

AMARC is an international non-governmental organization serving the community radio movement in over 110 countries, and advocating for the right to communicate at the international, national, local and neighborhood levels. AMARC has an International Secretariat in Montreal. It has regional sections in Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific and offices in Johannesburg, Buenos Aires, Brussels, and Kathmandu. For more information, please contact* *Suman Basnet, Regional Coordinator for Asia-Pacific, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.asiapacific.amarc.org