Ideologically and in practice, the Maoists are opposed to press freedom. It goes against their totalitarian tendency to grab power and hold on to it. During the insurgency, they killed journalists whose articles were not in their favour or whose writings exposed the wrong doings of their cadre. They accused them of spying or opposing them.
The war ended but they did not stop killing journalists who held opposing views. Even after being elected to power and taking the office in Singha Darbar, they continue to assault journalists and intimidate the media.

We have seen the continuation of this opposition to freedom of speech with their attacks on Kantipur, Nepal Samacharpatra and Himalmedia. The threat to the free press will remain as long as the Maoists are in power. But their goal of controlling the press and establishing totalitarian rule will never be possible. The people of Nepal will not accept it. Such attacks will bring about their own self-destruction.