Spare pilots injustice :

I would like to thank THT for highlighting the problems confronting the aviation sector in two news reports — “Nepali pilots flying high in India” (August 6) and “CAAN grounds ‘stressed-out’ Cosmic Air pilots”(August 8). Little doubt remains as to why the Nepali pilots are leaving for India. On the one hand, the airlines invest next to nothing in training pilots, on the other the pilots are not paid for months. They get very little though they have to risk their lives flying in dangerous weather conditions. This is why pilots prefer Indian skies. But CAAN seems biased. For example, Cosmic Air had not paid the salaries of its crew for months, but instead of grounding the airline, it is grounding the pilots. These pilots are being victimised at the hands of both Cosmic Air and CAAN. CAAN has not yet taken any action against the company concerned for not paying its pilots. Moreover, the aviation authority’s decision also bars them from flying abroad. It is noteworthy that, as of now, less than 20 Nepali pilots have joined various airlines in India, whereas other professionals working abroad run into thousands.

I Budhathoki, via e-mail

Footing bills :

Nepali Congress vice-president Sushil Koirala is in the US for tongue surgery. But who is footing his medical bills? The government? Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was flown to Thailand recently, and now Sushil Koirala is being treated in the US. Can Nepali taxpayers afford such expensive treatment for the leaders when most Nepalis do not even have access to basic healthcare?

Ram Bashyal, via e-mail

Unqualified :

The news “OTC drugs sans prescription bad for kidney” (THT, August 4) mentioned that “pharmacists” are selling drugs in Nepal. But few of them are qualified pharmacists. Most of the retailers have only obtained the recognition of the Drug Advisory Committee as per Drug Act 1978.

Santosh KC, via e-mail

What space?

PM GP Koirala has talked about “giving space” to both the Maoists and the monarch. Yes, the Maoists deserve political space as they have fought on behalf of the people. Though they chose the wrong method, their ultimate goal was to give the Nepalis their due rights, irrespective of their ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. But we have seen the consequence of giving King any space. The PM should be more concerned about the people’s problems. Let them decide on the monarchy.

Ruby, via e-mail

Stop war :

What is happening in the Middle East is really sad. The Israeli forces have been pounding heavily populated areas in Lebanon. This has led to a huge loss of life and property. The residents of these areas are denied even the basic human rights to live in a safe environment. The UN Security Council should immediately take measures to stop the attacks.

Shiva Neupane, Golphutar

Accidents :

Most road accidents have been blamed on human error. The government should implement strict guidelines for the drivers on long routes. They should be subjected to regular breathalyser tests for alcohol content in their bodies.

Rasmi Paudel, via e-mail