Welcome news

This is in reference to the news report “PLA fighters take to education” (THT,

Feb 3). It is good to hear that the PLA fighters, who have better been known for their violent ways, have instead demonstrated their curiosity for academic pursuits. The conflict that we have been witnessing for years is the cause of lack of education in our society. The PLA fighters have demonstrated their skills with deadly weapons of violence. Perhaps, equipped with education they might as well materialise their potentials into doing something

constructive for the nation.

Neema Basnet, Kathford College, Koteshwor

Oil price

Apropos of the news report “NOC rolls back fuel prices, nominally”, it is surprising that despite the sharp fall in the price of petroleum products globally, the NOC has only been able to reduce oil prices by a couple of rupees. Moreover, as soon as the price reductions are made, there is often an artificial shortage of oil products in the market. Such reductions, therefore, instead of coming as a relief to consumers, have encouraged unscrupulous traders who fix their own arbitrary prices. Apparently, it is the common people who always suffer.

Bibek Sharma, via e-mail

Bird flu

It has been reported that there is no trace of bird flu in the country. This must come as relief to the people particularly the consumers. It is commendable that the first cases of infected

chicken were detected and immediate action of culling was taken by the

government. This is a reassuring gesture as far as the health of the citizens is concerned. But, in recent days, no follow-up information from the concerned government ministry or department is coming out. This is not good. There should be a regular flow of information to give the people the feeling of satisfaction that there is no threat from bird flu in the country in the present.

Anyhow, the preparedness level must be up to the mark.

Sukriti Sharma, Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Not happy

Apropos of the news report “NOC rolls back fuel prices, nominally” (THT, Feb 3), the consumers are not happy with the way the oil distributor is trying to deceive the public with

almost negligible reductions in the prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG. It has also come to light that with the massive reductions in international oil prices, NOC is earning tens of millions as profit, besides indulging in alleged corruption. The demand for transparency of the corporation’s financial transactions has fallen on deaf ears despite the change of guard of the ministry concerned. I want the issue of price adjustment to be transparent so that every consumer can understand the reason why he/she is paying the stated price. The need might be to end the monopoly of NOC.

Manit Deokota, via e-mail

Insensitive

It is shocking to learn that even as the government claims to have taken all possible measures, poultry products are illegally being imported from areas affected by bird flu “Ban on egg import, sale violated” (THT, Feb 3). This speaks volumes about how insensitive the government is on the issue of public health.

Rakhi Roongta, Biratnagar