Insinuations unwarranted:

This refers to the news “More items exported to India under tax net” published in THT on March 26. The recently introduced additional duty of customs at 4 per cent ad valorem is not linked to excise duty on domestic products, as the reporter attributes to his “highly placed source in the Indian embassy in Kathmandu” and is meant to neutralise certain duties imposed on domestic products in India. The reporter has, further, relied on an anonymous trade analyst to make baseless allegations about India’s motives for imposing this duty. The report attributes certain remarks to Chandi Dhakal, president of FNCCI, which, if true, reflect lack of understanding of the bilateral trade treaty and the notification through which the new duty has been introduced. His reported insinuations regarding political motives are unwarranted, since this duty has been imposed on imports from all countries. The additional duty is consistent with the India-Nepal Treaty of Trade. Under the bilateral trade treaty, imports from Nepal are exempted from payment of basic customs duty and attract countervailing duty at rate of excise duty applicable to Indian products. Nepal continues to enjoy access to the Indian market free of basic customs duty. This Treaty, together with the government of India’s consistent policy of promoting closer economic relations between India and Nepal, has contributed to the rapid growth in Nepal’s exports to India over the past decade. As a result, India now absorbs more than 68 per cent of Nepal’s total exports — up from 18.5 per cent of Nepal’s exports in 1995-96. This statistic speaks for itself.

Gopal Baglay, Counsellor, PIC, Embassy of India, Kathmandu

People’s woes:

It is no surprise anymore to hear the news of the death of civilians during the Maoist-security forces’ clashes. It is ironical that the Maoists, though they claim to be fighting for the people, are still resorting to violent means. The security personnel, who are supposed to protect the civilians in the first place, too are not sparing the commoners. The people have no faith in either of these forces. The people desire peace and the government should act accordingly.

Arun Kumar Ojha, Damauli, Tanahun

Error:

There was an error in the Sports page of THT (March 28). The football match was not played between Manchester United and Bolton. It was between Manchester United and Birmingham City. And the match did not end in a 3-3 draw, but United won by 3-0. Such mistakes tend

to lower the standard of a newspaper.

Ramesh Adhikari, Kathmandu University

Carelessness:

It was shocking that there was an error in the first question of the grammar section in the B1 and B2 sets of SLC question paper of the central region. This shows the frivolousness on the part of the department concerned. The media has been criticising the mistake since the exams started on March 27. It should be ensured that those responsible are brought to book and such mistakes are not repeated.

Shiva Neupane, Kathmandu