Arrive at a consensus

I support the view expressed in the editorial “Widening gap” published in THT on April 15. It is indisputable that there is a wide gap between the political parties and the palace right now. And in between these two power blocs, it is the Nepali people who are left to suffer the most. It would be better if the parties and the King worked in unanimity and arrive at a

consensus. But this does not seem to be happening. The King has now ordered the Election Commission to hold the municipal elections within this year, but the parties are saying they will not participate. In such a scenario, the “widening gap” is clearer. On the other hand, G P Koirala is insisting on the restoration of the dissolved House of Representatives. If the parties take opposing stand against the Monarch’s decision, who would participate in the elections then? This is the time to join hands and move forward for creating peaceful environment to hold polls.

Bimal Ojha, Dhangadhi, Kailali

Eve teasing

Eve teasing is rampant in our cities. Boys often pass embarrassing comments at girls in the streets. The words only get harsher if a girl attempts to face those teasing her. This happens in schools, colleges, workplaces, and even in temples. Eve teasing has thus become a big problem in our society though there is a law against it in Nepal which states that the guilty may be locked up overnight for which the victim needs to produce proof. But getting evidence is almost impossible. Respect for women is part of our culture and the boys should know that instead of taking to eve teasing as a source of entertainment or a pastime they should realise that it is a major issue with serious consequences. For example, a girl could develop inferiority complex if she is subjected to continuous harassment each and every time she steps out of her home. There is also the possibility of unwanted violence.

Sudha Regmi, via e-mail

A gimmick

The recent measure taken to draft a constitution in Bhutan just seems to be another step towards policy of maligning international community and to lure more foreign aid and divert the world’s attention from the refugee problem. Also, the new policies look more like cosmetic

revolutionary measures like “complete ban of plastic bags,” or “complete ban of smoking” — things that will not be implemented for a long time. The Bhutanese have nothing concrete or new to gain from the draft constitution and so it cannot be said to be a democratic document. At a time when Bhutan’s one-sixth of the population lives in exile, deprived of their right to return to their rightful land, how can one say that this step is a sincere one?

If the King is serious in introducing liberal democracy after scaling down his absolute powers, why does he then take measures that go against his own people? This constitution is only a document that is meant for the consumption by the students and academicians. In a country where more then 85 per cent of the population does not speak either English or Dzongkha, how can the King say that all the common people can take part in the discussion when he published the draft constitution only in Dzongkha and English languages?

The document must be released in common languages and people must be given a chance to decide whether it is good or bad for them. The international community should press the King to give his people genuine freedom after solving all contemporary problems.

Ram Bahadur Karki Chhetri, The Netherlands