Demonstrate but practically The five parties that are demonstrating against “regression” have called a two-day general strike on May 11 and 12. However, it is not only untimely but also a nuisance to everybody. Strikes have never brought good results even if the parties prefer general strikes, they only infringe the public’s right to free movement. What is equally surprising is parties such as the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) call it despite their pro-democratic stands. Such activities have been widely condemned every time there is a strike. Besides knowing the irrelevance of bandhs, these parties reiterate their disagreement to CPN (Maoist). However, they themselves are breaking their promises now by often taking the line the rebels have long resorted to.

The folks support them because they are happy to embrace the path of non-violence. In fact, these parties are getting sympathy from everywhere. At this moment, what is the significance of bandhs that affect the very folks? The month-long protest programme compelled the government to kneel down and the prime minister was forced to resign. Furthermore, why do they want to cause inconvenience to the people? If they do not become practical, how dare they claim themselves to be democratic? In this crisis they must be very careful not to lose credibility and accountability. Creating terror and instability means they are heading towards

difficult times.

Eakprasad Duwadi, via e-mail

Solidarity

I felt sorry after reading the news regarding school teachers’ woes that was recently published in the internet edition of THT. I am a teacher from Spain. I have worked in Nepal as a volunteer and that is why I feel affinity towards Nepali people and their culture.The teachers, who were not paid their salaries, decided to write to the newspaper. Overall when people in power do nothing for them, their effort was great. I wish the concerned authority understood the situation soon and did something for the teachers. Here in Spain too, people have to fight against unjust circumstances everyday. I denounce abuse of any kind and support the victims. I hope the teachers will get their salary soon.

Cristina, Spain

Correct usage

We are heading nowhere in many aspects. But the one thing that concerns me right now is our use of the English language and spelling. I feel we are all mixed up. Neither do we stick to the American way nor the British either. This is also true with a lot of newspapers in Nepal. For instance, I would like to take the word “decolourisation.” British English learners would spell it like that while students of American English spell it as “decolorization.” But here in Nepal, thanks to language mix, largely an inspiration from our southern neighbour and those who have just returned from abroad after picking a word here and a spelling there, we have created the all-new spelling for it, “decolourization.” Half Brit, half American: so different and so unique from rest of the world, and above all wrong. I would blame the school teachers to some extent, who learned the British way and were mysteriously influenced by the American, who teach their students English from an entirely different dictionary. Secondly, the media have been practising the wrong thing. I think our ancestors started to use English as the British way and we should stick to that. This is not to say the American usage is wrong. Next time you spell “decolourization,” spell it as decolourisation.

Swapnil Acharya, via e-mail