Youth initiative

I was one of the 15 participants from Nepal in the SAARC Cultural Programme held recently in New Delhi, India (Dec. 2 - 8) along with 105 university students from the SAARC countries. The programme, organised by the Government of India, was part of the regional organisation’s initiative in fostering friendship among youths from the SAARC nations. In view of the current political unrest and violence in some parts of the region I feel that it is the

collective responsibility of the SAARC youth to assume greater responsibility for the establishment of peace and brotherhood in the region. It’s high time for the youth of all the countries of the region to foster a sense of collective responsibility and mutual co-operation among the SAARC nations by upholding its main principles and vision.

Anita Bindu, Ghattekulo, Kathmandu

Shortage

This is to draw attention to the continuing shortage of petroleum products in the country. The government, despite its several promises, has not been able to ensure steady supply of petroleum products in the market. While the government claims to be supplying

petroleum products at a rate lower than that prevalent in the international market, the ensuing benefits have gone more to unscrupulous dealers rather than the general public. Providing petroleum products at prices lower than international rates is the wrong way of trying to win popularity. The government must immediately do something to ensure a steady supply of petro-products to common consumers.

Sadichchha Pokharel, Kupondole

Irresponsible

This is in reference to the news report “Minister Thakur, 3 MPs resign over Tarai turmoil” (THT, Dec. 11). Though the statements made by Thakur and three other MPs sound logical, it is irresponsible on their part as the representatives of the Madhesi community to quit the government. The leaders who have resigned from their posts have every right to put pressure on the government and demand the rights of the Madhesi people that they represent, but tendering their resignation is shrugging off their responsibility.

Furthermore, instead of bolstering the unity that the country so urgently needs, their step is likely to fuel further unrest in the Tarai, which might well lead to disintegration of the country. The leaders should have thought about the interests of the people before getting themselves entangled in their ego tussle.

Prajwal Rijal, Biratnagar

Improve

This refers to the editorial “Tricky business” (THT, Dec. 5). Though Nepal Telecom (NT), as one of the largest telephone service providers in the country, boasts of wide a network across the country, it has hardly paid any attention to improving its services.

Dr Sital Kaji Shrestha, India

Bumpy roads

The condition of inner roads in the city is getting worse by the day. Even the earlier paved roads are wearing fast and potholes can be spotted everywhere. I do not understand the logic behind constructing the inner city roads if they are going to be neglected.

Sanjita Luintel, via e-mail