Try them in civilian court:

The news of Belbari rape and murder case (THT, April 27) has once again brought the army atrocities to the forefront. Those involved in the incident have crossed all limits of cruelty and highhandedness. This is just another incident that has demonstrated that the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) personnel still believe themselves to be above law and feel that they can get away with anything. This is not the first instance where army personnel have been involved in rape case or were unhesitant to open fire against civilians. The people have not forgotten the ghastly incident at Nagarkot in December last year. The army men should realise that such uncivilised and unpardonable behaviour on their part would only bring disgrace to the institution they represent. Of late, the RNA has come under heavy criticism for its involvement in gross human rights violations in the country. Although it would now take long for the RNA to regain its eroded public image, one thing could help save the institution: If the accused are tried in a civilian court. The new government should press for this in order to do justice to the families of those killed in Belbari.

Bibek Singh, Kathmandu

Leaders’ job:

The restoration of the House of Representatives is like winning only half the battle because the real battle would be won the day when the people’s real aspirations — freedom, peace and justice — are addressed by the representatives in the House. The leaders of these political parties are also responsible for creating a situation which the Nepalis have been forced to face for so many years. Now is the chance for them to prove their worth. It is high time they led the country towards prosperity.

Akash Gupta, Biratnagar

Live telecast:

We would like to urge the members of the seven-party alliance to allow live telecast of the parliament sessions, as the debates in the Lower House would be of grave national importance and interest to the general public. This kind of provision is also there in the parliament of India. The live telecast of parliament sessions is a fair process in keeping with the democratic system. Most people would agree with this idea.

Dhananjay Shah, Rajesh Shapkota and Khem Sharma, TU, Kirtipur

People’s wish:

The Nepalis have shown great courage in their struggle to bring down the royal government. It was only due to the people’s power that the despotic regime lost control, that, too, in a very short span of time (only 19 days). The people’s movement also compelled the foreign powers to put pressure on the King to concede power to the people. Now, all the people have a common dream: To see a peaceful Nepal. This can be achieved only if the party leaders give up their vested interests and root out corruption from the entire system. Equally important is to resolve the Maoist insurgency, which is responsible for so much destruction and so many deaths, based on the 12-point agreement between the seven-party alliance and the CPN (Maoist).

Shiva Neupane and Priya Khanal, Syangja