KATHMANDU - NEPALESE newspapers ran blank editorials on Tuesday to protest against a violent attack on a prominent publisher by Maoist-affiliated trade unionists.

A group of 50 people stormed the offices of Himalmedia at the weekend and attacked property and staff, injuring 12 people.

Editors from the company, which produces a weekly English-language newspaper and two news magazines, said the attackers warned them to stop running stories that were critical of the Maoist government.

'We have left editorial columns blank as a silent protest against Maoist attacks and threats on the media,' Akhilesh Upadhyay, editor of the English language Kathmandu Post, told AFP.

Nepal's former rebel Maoists won polls earlier this year and now lead the government, but they face accusations that their supporters remain reliant on intimidation and violence.

The United Nations, press freedom groups and diplomats condemned the assault.

'These renewed attempts to subjugate the independent media signal a very disturbing trend that must be stopped,' the French embassy, representing the European Union, said in a statement.

Maoist spokesman Dinanath Sharma, said the ultra-leftists 'regretted' the attack but that his party could not accept responsibility.

'The party cannot be blamed for the incident carried out by some individuals,' 'The government will investigate and take action against the guilty.' Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda told local media on Monday that the assault had been carried out by 'immoral agents' who had 'infiltrated' his party.

'There are people who in the guise of the Maoists are engaged in giving a bad name to the party,' Mr Prachanda said. -- AFP