What would Nepal do without friends like America and China [“Nepali garments all set to get duty-free access to US markets”, THT Page 1, Feb 26, 2016]? These Samaritans literally put food straight into our mouths. The latest

American gesture is one of the several lifelines thrown at us to help us climb out of the well of ten top rankings in poverty which continue to remain as a national historical trait through 30 years of Panchayat Raj and 26 long years of

grandstand democracy. Quivering quakes and crippling blockades have made our economy even more precarious despite the shady glasses that our short-sighted politicians cover their ocular vision with. Returning to the latest American offer, having an opportunity is one thing and being able to exploit it is quite another. For, the last time around we virtually turned our garment industry into tattered rags. Many insolvent traders of the era are said to be still driving around in Pajeros wearing the glittering debt bounty on their heads. Panchayat Raj was no better either when it came to scandals. History tells us about a story of The Great Carpet Heist. This is another story for another time. Let it be known for now that some wily architects of the great heist are still alive and kicking. It is no small wonder that our international friends continue to support us and harbour faith in our capability to turn around the country and life of 30 million Nepalis. US President Obama has already signed the special privilege for the benefit of this poor nation. Now we need to put our plan on paper before stepping out with whiskey in hand to prematurely celebrate the announcement. Will our great labouring community and traders work together to produce world-class garments?

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Inevitable

Air-crashes are inevitable. Nevertheless, it’s not that they cannot be minimized. Nepali airlines have always been blamed for its poor infrastructure and management. The zero-air- crash in the year 2015 in our country proved to some

extent that it is a safe spot for airways. Late February witnessed a tragic airplane crash incident in Solighopte of Myagdi district. Reportedly, difficult geographical terrain and bad climatic condition resulting in poor visibility have been identified as the major causes of the incident. However, in sections of the international community, it is falsely advertised that the tourists are not supposed to travel via airways in Nepal for no valid reason. Needless to say, there’s a risk of such unprecedented happenings not only in Nepal but in all countries. No authorities in this world have power to

control nature and geographical topography.

Sanjog Karki, Palpa