Initiate talks to end crisis:

In view of the new developments in the country, there is speculation that King Gyanendra may grant audience to the leaders of all the agitating political parties and conduct closed-door discussions with them in order to find a way out of the current political quagmire. If this were true, it would be a welcome step towards resolving the current problem. They may hold talks in secret but the details should be communicated to the media so that the people would know the actual outcome. If this was done, the King would become popular and true democracy could be established. Constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy should be the twin pillars of Nepal’s political set-up.

Anurag Bikram Shah, Korea

Help pupils:

It is unfortunate for the citizens of the second richest country of the world in water resources to have to face the load-shedding, which has now been increased to an unbearable 17 hours per week. The board exams (SLC and CBSE) are round the corner and the students are panic-stricken because of the load-shedding during evening hours. The authorities concerned should do something to help the students.

Sushant Lohani, Kendriya Vidyalaya

Silly reasons:

Dharmasthali, though very near Ring Road, is not connected by the local transport service. This is not due to the lack of a road or vehicles, but due to the ridiculous behaviour of the local shopkeepers at Dugurnepani, who don’t allow vehicles to pass through their area. Their

argument is that their business will collapse if they vacate the area for traffic to pass. Should the entire Dharmasthali suffer because of their meagre business? Why is the administration doing nothing about it?

Prajwal Baral, Dharmasthali

Bandhs:

I don’t see any reason for the political parties to call the January 26 bandh. I simply do not understand why our politicians are acting so insanely. They may argue that the bandh is a way of protesting against the autocratic government, but why should innocent civilians suffer because of their bandhs? Their rage against the government is actually hampering the daily routine of the commoners, especially the students who are unable to attend their classes. Why are we made to suffer for no fault of ours? I urge the demonstrators to find some other way of protesting that would be more effective and less painful to the citizens.

Laurisa Osti, Himalayan White House Int’l College

Pollution:

It is obvious that people light fires during the winter. But it is disturbing to notice people burning non-biodegradable items such as polythene bags. The streets are full of the leftovers from the previous night’s bonfires. Little do these people realise the harmful impact of the gas produced by burning such items. After the winter, we will have a dry weather when dust pollution will be high. The people in the Valley are dying to inhale some fresh air. But

unnecessary burning of harmful items only makes our environment more polluted. Indiscriminate burning should be stopped since it is hazardous to human health.

Kamala Rai, via e-mail