Question of intent

The resignation of Madhesi Members of Parliament have fanned speculation about disintegration of the country. However, it is also true, as the Madhesi leaders claim, that Madhesis are still discriminated against. If the MPs have resigned in order to put

pressure on the government to address their genuine demands, their act is justifiable.

The formation of a new party to voice the common grievances of Madhesis would indeed go a long way towards addressing their demands. However, if some of the leaders are acting on behalf of regressive forces and creating unrest in the Tarai as a ploy to sabotage CA polls, the new development definitely doesn’t hint at a bright future for Nepal.

Dwaipayan Regmi,

Biratnagar

Just a ploy

The 23-point pact signed between the seven party alliance and the Maoists appears to be nothing more than yet another ploy of political leaders to hang onto power. With the

postponement of CA polls twice, Nepalis are having to pay a heavy price with a

considerable spurt in criminal activities in the country. The political parties have not only deprived commom people of their fundamental right to elect their representatives but also failed to give people a sense of security. The unnecessary expansion of the constituent assembly would only be a financial burden on the treasury. The political parties have no right to squander taxpayers’ hard-earned money in this manner. Nepalis would instead want to see their money spent for the country’s real development.

Sunil Sharma, Teku,

Kathmandu

Plain wrong

It is a colossal blunder of the parliament to declare Nepal a republic even when the

decision is subject to confirmation by the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly. Nepali people supported the April movement because they believed that its success would help them regain the sovereignty they had lost during the King’s direct rule. Nepalis put their faith in the political parties with the belief that the latter could shape a new Nepal.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be happening. Instead, the Seven Party Alliance is taking all the major decisions with little regard to people’s aspirations. If all major decisions are to be taken by the political parties, holding Constituent Assembly election will be a fruitless exercise.

Satyajeet Nepali, Gaushala, Kathmandu.

Well thought

This refers to the news report “House ‘committed’ to Christmas Holiday” (THT, Dec. 26). At a time when the minority groups and communities are clamouring for their rights and a respectable position in society, the commitment expressed by the Speaker of the House, Subas Nembang, to declare Christmas a national holiday is commendable.

The constitution guarantees every religious community the right to practice and promote their religion and celebrate their indegenous festivals.

Therefore, declaration of Christmas as a national holiday would not only give the Christian minority living here in Nepal due recognition but also honour their faith.

Babita Rai, Koteshwor,

Kathmandu