World

Female journalist stabbed to death in Nepal

by Sanjay Jha | January 12, 2009 at 03:38 am

615 views | 48 Recommendations | 8 comments

A female journalist who wrote about women's rights and criticised political leaders has been stabbed to death in southern Nepal.

The region where she was murdered, the Terai plains, has seen sporadic violence since 2006 when the Maoists ended their civil war before winning elections last year.

Janakpur-based journalist Uma Singh succumbed to the injuries she received in an attack by an unidentified group late Sunday night.

A group of some 12-13 people had attacked Singh, 26, at her rented apartment in Rajoula of Janakpur Municipality-14 Sunday evening and left her for dead after repeatedly striking her with sharp weapon.

Reports quoted police as saying that Singh had multiple injuries on her head, neck and shoulders.

She died on the way for the treatment in the capital after doctors at the Janakpur District hospital where she was first taken couldn't stabilize her condition.

Journalist Singh, who worked for a local radio station, was known for her strong news items and articles that slammed the traditional dowry system practiced in the Tarai districts of Nepal.

Originally from Mirchaiya of Siraha district, Singh is remembered by her colleagues as a fearless journalist who had been forced to leave her hometown because of her relentless activism against the traditional dowry system that has become a symbol of severe oppression against women not only in Nepal but much of South Asia.

FNJ has expressed deep regret over the killing of journalist Singh. The journalists umbrella organization said it will hold a demonstration rally in the capital city against the killing of journalist Singh.

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Paschen

at 03:49 on January 12th, 2009

It does sound that we have many radicals being elected in way to many countries.

AlvarezGalloso

at 06:14 on January 12th, 2009

My condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Uma Singh.

azzayindia

at 09:35 on January 12th, 2009

i can undestand the dangers of honest journalism but my salute to the lady she did not sll her soul.She is a martyred and the journalist fratrnity should rise in paying their homage.perhaps nowpublic can start a homage petition sort of thing or petiton to end dowry in her support so that cuse she stood fo remains alive.

my heart goes out for her

harringtola

at 10:25 on January 12th, 2009

Sanjay, Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Anyone who thinks that this type of bigotry and prejudice and civil rights violations for women in that area of the world is mistaken.

Sanjay Jha

at 19:04 on January 12th, 2009

Thanks for your comments. Yes It is true that women plays a great role in social transformation and a undeveloped country like Nepal needs very proactive role from Women in every sphere of life for over all growth.

Pythiian1

at 13:04 on January 12th, 2009

Thank you for this piece, Sanjay.

I'm so sorry that Nepal has lost a fearless voice on behalf of women's rights. Is the authority investigating Ms. Singh's death?

Sanjay Jha

at 19:12 on January 12th, 2009

Hi Pythiian1, I appreciate your comments and concern for such kind of incident. It is true that Maoists government have lost interest in the core governance issue and rather engaged in petty politicking. Improving of life standards of impoverished citizens, Safety of Women and giving space for women's rights should have been priority for the government but government is busy in installing new priests