Old habits die hard

Will the CA polls be held this time around? Most Nepalis remain still unsure, not the least by increasing instances of violent attacks on poll candidates. What’s happened since the signing of accord between the government and United Madhesi Democratic Front (UMDF) for fair and

peaceful holding of April 10 election is hard to justify. I cannot understand why the Maoists appear so insecure about their poll chances? Nepalis have not forgotten their enormous contribution towards state restructuring and equality for all Nepalis.

If the Maoists had campaigned peacefully, they would have got a significant presence in the constituent assembly. But the Maoists are yet to renounce their violent methods completely. Why? The simple answer might be that they do not believe in peaceful politics. The hangover of the militancy of the decade of insurgency is still in them.

Shobhan S Khadka, Tokyo

Misguided

Following the protests of Tibetan exiles in Kathmandu, the Valley cops have intensified surveillance on Tibetans. Some of it might be justified in the run-up to the constituent assembly polls. But the police have gone so far as to search passengers of public transport. This is a bad strategy because it cannot stop the Tibetan exiles from fighting for their

fundamental rights. Instead, it would be much wiser to deploy security forces in

violence-prone areas.

Reshma Rajan, Boudha, Kathmandu

Wrong ways

The Maoists played a pivotal role in the success of Jana Andolan II. As Maoist contribution to the movement is largely seen in a positive light, the party stands a good chance of

doing well in the CA polls. But, as a responsible party in mainstream politics, the Maoists should learn to abide fully by democratic norms and values.

Obstructing electoral campaigns of other political parties is certainly no way to get into the good books of common Nepalis.

Ishwari Pradhan, via e-mail

Irresponsible

This is in reference to the news report “We won’t accept loss in polls:

Prachanda” (THT, March 27). The frequency and timing of such statements has fanned suspicions about Maoist intent vis-à-vis April polls. What message does the Maoist leadership want to send by this threat? They should give up this war mentality to win public support in the polls. Also, the Maoist leadership should do more to control unruly activities of the Young

Communist League (YCL). Only when the Maoists behave like a responsible party can they fare well in the polls.

Sajan Pyakurel, Nepaltar

Be wise

A new wave of enthusiasm has swept Nepalis ahead of the historic Constituent

Assembly polls. However, the redoubtable spirit of the Nepalis is being tested by the increasing incidents of violence across the country. Electoral campaigns are being obstructed and electoral codes of conduct being flouted. The first objective of CA polls is to establish law and order in the country. The CA polls is not a routine parliamentary election. All the political forces should realise its historic importance and make it a huge success.

Udayashwor Subedi, Pokhara