Lesson for Nepal

The editorial “God of small things” (THT, Oct. 16) poses some interesting questions to our politicians, development planners and pro-poor experts. Every Nepali rejoices at the success of Prof Muhammad Yunus, who is now a national hero of Bangladesh, in bagging the Nobel Peace Prize. But as you have rightly pointed out, “exulting in the success of Yunus and his Grameen is not enough for Nepalis”.

Though similar initiatives have been taken in Nepal, an objective assessment of their impact has not been carried out thus far. Like Bangladesh, millions of Nepalis are mired in absolute poverty. The country will do well to introduce the concept of micro-credit for those who cannot afford to borrow from bigger banks at high interest rates. Nepal surely needs an indigenous approach to micro-credit that is adaptable to local conditions rather than “grandiose plans and projects devised in foreign capitals”.

Mohan Lohani, former ambassador to Bangladesh Not enough Following the Jana Andolan II’s success, a ceasefire exists in the country. The security personnel who used to patrol the streets are now sitting comfortably in their barracks.

This has also resulted in sharp increase in the crime rate in recent times. Lax security on the highways has also led to greater movement of arms and drugs. It is not enough for the government to remain complacent after achieving the ceasefire.

K P Acharya, Pokhara

Time to act

Things never seem to change in Nepal. I left Nepal four years ago. On coming back, I discovered that not much has changed. Even if the ongoing peace negotiations succeed, it will take some time to implement the agreement.

Here are some of the steps that could bring about real change: NRNs should be encouraged to invest in the country, more hydropower projects should be built with international cooperation, a social security number should be issued to every Nepali, more resources should be poured into IT, and foreign companies should be lured into the country. But, who has the time to think about these things? Politicians only think about furthering their own career.

Santosh Kumar Kalwar, via e-mail

Find truth

Bibek Sharma Luitel lost his life because of the carelessness of the police personnel. It seems as if the cops, instead of taking action against the guilty, are trying to protect them.

Pateni Lama is alleged to have masterminded Bibek’s kidnapping, but, apparently, the “high authorities” are protecting her. If the police fail to get to the bottom of the case, more innocent children will lose their lives.

Shrizit Koirala, Baneshwor

Mend ways

It is time the political leaders mended their ways. They should understand that they are in power to serve the people and not vice versa. The people who put them in power are also capable of removing them.

The masses tend to follow leaders. Hence, if the leaders change, the people are likely to follow in their footsteps. And it will not take a long time to change the face of the country.

J C Luitel, via e-mail