Parties need to unite

The February 1 royal intervention has been greeted with mixed reaction both nationally and internationally. However, going by his own words, it is only wise to wait and see if the King is true to his words. It is too early to condemn the move and launch protests when the country is reeling under Maoist problem as well as economic difficulties. The King has stressed again and again that multiparty democracy is his ultimate goal. But, a sense of gloom prevails given the restrictions placed on the press, the right to travel freely and other freedoms. Hopefully, the emergency would be lifted soon. In the present context, the Monarch will have to reconcile with the mainstream political parties sooner or later. But in order to prove themselves as parties fit for governance, the parties will have to restructure and bring internal

party reforms. The corrupt elements in the party must be sidelined who have misused power when they were at the helm of affairs. Also, the parties in Nepal must be able to present a

united front as to how to address the burning issues confronting the country today. It must be remembered that Nepal’s bargaining power can only be consolidated when the country gets rid of it’s internal problems. They must realise that strong and efficient parties and constitutional monarchy working hand in hand will earn the country respect in the eyes of the world.

Rajesh Koirala, Biratnagar

It’s otherwise

The chariot of Seto Machhendranath is made in Kathmandu, not in Patan, Lalitpur, unlike what was printed in one of the captions in THT recently.

Joel Garingalao Jr, The Philippines

Show-off

For sometime now, Nepalis, especially from the upper class, have been spending a lot of money in marriage functions, as they are driven by materialism. The dowry system is not yet abolished in Nepal. While village people are still struggling to meet the demands from the boy’s side during marriages, in the cities even those who are not financially well off try to get money through any means for reasons of societal status. This, however, is wrong as it reduces the hallowed custom of marriage to a show-off competition. If change is to be brought about, it should start from the educated people. Why spend unnecessarily during marriages? It is better to be simple and save money rather than spend huge amount in impractical things. The young people should be aware of this and make a beginning. And in any case marriage is all about two people getting together and starting a new life, and not getting into relationship to show-off.

Eakprasad Duwadi and Sindhoo Duwadi, via e-mail

Good move

The news “Nepal adopts ‘open prison’ concept” published in THT on April 12 is a welcome one. As per the changed legal provision of the Prison Act 1962, those convicted in minor criminal cases would be sent to open prison and community service. This amendment will give the prisoners a chance to improve themselves and engage in self-development activities. Changes such as this should be incorporated in criminal jurisprudence to make it more effective and people-oriented. Such changes will prove a useful tool in rehabilitation of minor

criminals who, in many cases, are now forced to spend their terms under harsh conditions.

Asha Rai, New Road