Apropos of the news story “Kathmandu Airport ranked one of the worst in the world” (THT, October 23, Page 1), TIA is sadly compromising with the dignity and image of the birthplace of Lord Buddha and Mt. Everest.

This is clearly a sacrilege. There is no need for TIA spokesperson to be defensive - thousands of locals and tourists who walk into TIA every year enjoy the local “management” in action including attempts at extorting bribes. Who will bell the TIA cat?

Can the people who scream their guts out about democracy, federalism, republicanism, empowerment and development start with TIA first? There is a silver lining though for tourists who want to skip the dusty Newar Valley. Once the much-touted Pokhara and Bhairahawa regional international airports start operation, travellers can fly direct to Lumbini and Pokhara skipping the airport of a “goat farm”, as described by a reviewer.

Passengers would also be interested in knowing if our airlines run programmes to develop capacity of the flight crew at evacuation as the Garuda staff are seen practising on a raft in the picture on page 12, Oct 23.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Promotion

This has reference to the article of Abhilasha Rayamajhi’s “Lessons to learn” (THT, October 20, page 8). I totally agree with her opinion while she was writing about the 5th International Buddhist Conclave 2016 which was organized by the government of India.

But, at the same time, I can feel that our government has not been prioritizing the same level of mega event, an International Buddhist Conclave in our country.

However, it is not surprising to say that time and again India claims that Gautam Buddha was born in India which is not true at all. So, this is also one of the reasons why Nepal Government should promote Lord Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini.

Where is the government’s plan in this regard? Just making pseudo speeches and organizing grand conferences in the name of the Buddha and his enlightenment will not promote the Buddha and Buddhism.

Therefore, the government should promote Lumbini so that Buddhist followers and researchers can visit the sacred place and spread the message of peace, compassion and tolerance. Effective promotion of Buddhism and Lumbini will also enhance tourism, employment opportunities and business.

No other places in Nepal will be visited by Buddhists round the world than Lumbini if it is well developed with connectivity by road, air and railways.

Saroj Wagle, Bara

Crimes

The district of Kathmandu has topped the list of crime followed by Sunsari, Chitwan, Rupandehi and Kaski. It is because of heavy concentration of population and business activities.

Not only common crimes like theft, smuggling, robbery, burglary and embezzlement of funds but even serious crimes like murder, rape, kidnapping, attempt to murder, attempted rape and cyber crimes are also on the rise.

Pratik Shrestha, Baneshwor