Neglected refugees

Over two dozen Bhutanese refugees have been taking part in a sit-in in front of the UN office in Lalitpur since June 2. But the authorities have not responded. The refugees are just demanding early and dignified repatriation to their homeland. The UN, which lays so much stress on human rights, has, strangely, ignored the human rights of the people forced to leave their country by an autocratic regime. A number of foreign diplomats and government officials pass by the area without even glancing at the refugees.

On June 2, the refugees had handed over an appeal to the UN country representative for Nepal and been assured of prompt response, which has not come till date. If the UN cannot do anything, its officials should tell the refugees so frankly. UN officials spoke so much of human rights on Human Rights Day, but the failure of the UN office in Nepal even to reply to the refugees exposes their limits. The refugees cannot be left languishing in the temporary camps any longer. The international community should do something about them soon.

TP Mishra, president, TWMN-Bhutan Chapter

Revolution

Following the April revolution, Nepal now needs an agricultural revolution. This will be achieved once agricultural products are made available at a reasonable price throughout the country.

The government could do this by bringing the commercial agricultural land under its control for better crop production, healthy storage and improved distribution. The People’s Liberation Army and the Nepali Army should cooperate in exploring the nation’s agricultural potential, turning battlefields into paddy fields.

The money that went into purchases of expensive arms should now be diverted to agriculture.

This could give the dispirited farms hope and make the country self-sufficient in foodgrains. In order to reach the foodgrains in one part of the country to any other part, the road network needs to be expanded all over the country. Emphasis on agriculture would also result in export of foodgrains. So, when we talk of building a new Nepal, we should also chalk out sound strategies for bringing about an agricultural revolution.

Chhavi Bhatt, Pokhara

Myopic

The newly-amended Education Act shows the short-sightedness of the government. Each candidate should be given equal opportunity for a teaching job. If not, why should anyone bother to be enrolled in the Faculty of Education?

The government’s apathy towards the nationwide student protests has only made matters worse. In Bhaktapur, I saw police beat up innocent bystanders mercilessly. This does not befit a government that claims to represent the people.

Mina Sapkota, Gongabu

Wrong time

This is the time to work for the country, not to indulge in petty interests. This means we should think twice before taking to the streets to press our demands.

A high sense of responsibility is required on the part of all to nurture and develop democracy in the country. If all Nepalis work towards making Nepal peaceful and prosperous, each of them will have his or her goal fulfilled.

Shiva Neupane, Golfutar