Uneasy silence

Having followed THT’s initial coverage of the kindling romance between alleged serial killer Charles Sobhraj and Nihita Biswas, a love I’ve been privileged to watch develop firsthand, I was put off by your apparent decision to abandon the subject just as it was gathering interest. Whilst some readers may feel that issues of greater concerns are glutting present-day Nepal, it is of greater universal and spiritual note that a genuine romance should blossom in the hearts of such a rare old bird and this intelligent, charming, talented child of local

breeding — especially occurring as it does during Sobhraj’s autumn years, under harrowing

circumstances.

If this were merely another case of Sobhrajian caprice, your wavering reflections might almost be understandable. The love between Charles and Nihita is, however, miraculous. True love is the end, or at least beginning, of every classic Bollywood export. Here in Nepal we are better off than those in the West or in India: we get to watch the real thing as it unfolds — or at least we should get to.

David Woodard,

Kathmandu

Road deaths

This is in reference to the news report, “16 killed in bus plunge” (THT, July 20). With the increase in number of vehicles plying the deteriorating Nepali highways, the possibility of road accidents has gone up. Overcrowding, reckless driving, poor visibility, distractions caused by

billboards are some other factors contributing to road mishaps. The concerned

authorities must take this matter seriously.

Madhav Humagain,

Kathmandu

Unity

The Seven Party Alliance (SPA) forged in order to bring the peace process to a logical conclusion seems to have lost its direction as political equations are changing every day. The Nepali Congress (NC) and the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (MJF) now having bagged the top ceremonial posts should respect the mandate of the people and let CPN-Maoist, the biggest party in CA, take the lead in government formation. The major parties should end bitter rivalries and forge a unity in order to promote national interest.

Arjun Prasad Tiwari,

Butwal-9, Rupendehi

Tide’s turned

Until the formal filing of the candidatures for the post of first president, the CPN-Maoist candidate Ram Raja Prasad Singh appeared to have a greater chance of winning the election.

However, its chairman Prachanda has been outfoxed by seasoned players of politics. He

made a mistake in not supporting Girija Prasad Koirala for the presidency. Support for Koirala would have satisfied Koirala and given the Maoists an upper hand in government formation.

With the defeat of Singh, it would now be wise of Prachanda and his fellow comrades to concede defeat and work out a new strategy. Nevertheless, in politics there are no

permanent friends or foes. Who knows? They may be able to form the next government. The Maoists should not use any form of threat against other political players. They should join the government to make people believe that they are capable of running the government.

Adarsha Tuladhar,

Kathmandu