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NEW DELHI: India on Thursday expressed the hope that the new anti-press ordinance promulgated by King Gyanendra in Nepal would not be used to curb media freedom. ``We have always believed that a free and independent press is necessary for the people to enjoy their fundamental rights and democratic freedoms,'' the External Affairs Ministry said here.

``Curbs on the freedom of expression and the media, which is a fundamental pillar of democracy, will inevitably be counter-productive," the Ministry said on the basis of press reports of what is proposed to be done under the ordinance.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the restrictive media law implemented on October 9.

SOURCE: The Hindu