Larceny by trick:

I am appaled and saddened by the callous disregard the US embassy’s acting public affairs officer Sharon Hudson showed towards the plight of the DV lottery victims in her letter “No room for discretion” (THT, April 16). As an American, I apologise for her rudeness. For her to cavalierly say that “fees are the same worldwide” when she knows that the US government takes millions of dollars from the poorest people in the world by its hoax of a promise of a chance to get a visa, is larceny by trick. The US government should have the honesty to end their false pretence.

If “the US Embassy makes all information about the DV Lottery available in Nepali to all applicants at each stage of the process” as she asserts, she should have no objection to the embassy stamping on the application form the number of applicants who paid the $100 application fee the previous month and the number that were granted a visa.

Jim Spillane, Badikhel, Lalitpur

Be civil:

Apropos of the letter “Praiseworthy” (THT, April 18), praising the young Maoists for labouring to clean the capital, I wish to add that it will be most praiseworthy if the Maoists show a little more civility — refrain from hurting other people’s feelings — as well. The change needs to come from right at the top.

Ishwari Pradhan, via e-mail

Ray of hope:

It is good news that the United Nations has predicted a four per cent growth rate for Nepal, a country badly hit by violence for ten years. There is no denying that Nepal has huge potential for growth in some specific areas but the deteriorating law and order situation and political uncertainty still pose serious problems. Now that order seems to be returning slowly, there are better chances of economic growth. Being neighbours and old friends, we in India wish Nepal rapid progress. A high growth rate would greatly help reduce poverty in Nepal.

Amitabh Thakur, Lucknow, India

Unsafe:

The skybridges near Bhadrakaali have become a real heaven for pickpockets and robbers. Just two weeks ago, one of my friends narrowly escaped from two armed men. Criminals often hide behind the huge signboards by the bridges as they lie in wait for their prey. To make the place safer, the signboards should be either removed or reduced in size. The overhead bridges are meant to ease the traffic flow and reduce accidents. If these bridges become criminal hideouts, their very purpose will remain unfulfilled. Public safety from both traffic accidents and criminals is equally important.

Bijay Manandhar, Lecturer, Public Youth Campus

Ban it

The tragic loss of innocent lives including two Indians at Virginia Tech University, USA, has shocked and saddened the world. The deaths of young students who had bright dreams of their future and were working hard to get their degrees despite all odds make the tragedy all the more touching. It represents the biggest campus shooting incident in US history. Students should not be allowed to possess firearms. A criminally minded person can take many innocent lives.

Nyima Gyalpo, Kathmandu