Ideological Othering of Maoists in The Kathmandu Post

Abstract

This paper explores representation of Maoists in The Kathmandu Post during and after People’s Movement II, especially after 12-point understanding between Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists in Delhi. By utilizing Althusserian notion of ideology, particularly his notion of Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) and media ethics, the paper critically scrutinizes why The Kathmandu Post epitomized Maoist and the movement the way it did. The paper claims that the Post’s depiction of Maoists is basically motivated by their economic position, ideology and vested interests which are contrary to the notion of ISA. Further, the research also substantiates that Althusserian conception of ISA does not apply in the context of Nepal. The Kathmandu Post’s explicit support to People’s Movement II and at the same time misrepresentation of Maoists despite 12-points agreement between Maoists and SPA undercuts Althusser’s notion.