Peace, not protest

Though G P Koirala’s call for House revival cannot be totally dismissed, he should

understand that the problems facing the country are too complicated to be tackled by a restored parliament. As a mature politician he should instead make his efforts towards establishing peace and stability, the key to a successful democratic polity. The politicians should lead the people to unite for peace, not protest. As far as the much coveted international support for restoring democracy is concerned, each country has its own foreign policy agenda and national interest. So their support will manifest only in a manner they deem suitable. Take Pakistan’s case for instance. Just because it suits the US interest President Musharraf is portrayed as a true democrat even though he dismissed the elected

government and sent leading democrats to exile. Leaders like Koirala must make a right decision at this moment, which will work for the benefit of the people and the country.

Ramesh Pandey, via e-mail

Credibility

In the BBC’s Asia Today edition of April 12, there was news by Charles Haviland relating to the tragic incident that occurred in Kapilvastu last month. It said people took law into their own hands in Kapilvastu to avenge by lynching in front of APF’s camps. Kapilvastu is also the

birthplace of Lord Buddha, preacher of world peace. What is depicted by such news in

international forums about Nepal can cost us dearly. And after that, how can we expect tourists to visit our country? The government should take this matter seriously before we lose credibility abroad.

Amit Subedi, Samakhusi

HIV test

This is in reference to the news “SC order sought on HIV test before marriage,” published in THT on April 14. According to the news, a public interest writ has been filed at the Supreme Court seeking its order to the government to formulate a policy to let people marry only after obtaining an HIV blood-test certificate. This is a good request, as HIV positive cases are on the rise in Nepal and such a law will guarantee that no one will cheat on their partners.

Savitri Magar, Thimi

Pollution

The Bagmati river is one of the holy rivers of Nepal. Some decades back the Kathmandu Valley residents used to use the water of this river for various purposes, as it was then clean and safe. But it is now in a terrible state, as it is full of solid wastes and chemical pollutants. Thanks to the sewage and other organic wastes being dumped in the river from homes and factories, the foul smell is more than merely a malodorous interference to passers-by on the Bagmati bridge. Why don’t the people living around the Bagmati area raise voice against the rising pollution? The government, along with the people, should immediately think of ways to clean the Bagmati.

Suresh Rana Magar, via e-mail

Symbolic one

The front page picture of two doves clicked against the setting sun on the last day of 2061 BS by Dhruba Ale (published in THT on April 14) was indeed a good picture. I liked the catchphrase “Harbingers of peace” that aptly suited Nepal’s context as peace is the need of the hour and doves symbolise peace. This New Year, as the picture suggests, should be peaceful for Nepal and all must work towards this goal.

Nirvani Shah, Dillibazar