Build national unity

United we stand, divided we fall goes the age-old adage. Unfortunately, unity is what we lack in Nepal. At every critical turning point in Nepal’s history, what we have witnessed is disunity and lack of coherence among the countrymen. There were intrigues, squabbles, bickering and mass discontentment even before and after the unification of Nepal by King Prithivi Narayan Shah and there still exists the same disharmony and disunity. However, this disharmony has reached such a height at present that the nation is at a civil war. But, we are still not eager to form a national unity for the sake of the nation. The main cause behind this is marginalisation of the minorities and the down-trodden. The same has created the Maoist problem as well. It’s high time those at the helm of affairs realised that unless the present violence and bloodshed is stopped and peace is given a chance by bringing those dissatisfied people into the social, economic and political mainstream, we will remain disunited, disillusioned, frustrated and unhappy and will never see progress in the country. It is important that all parties to the dispute come to a point of agreement and forge a national unity.

Nirajan Thapaliya, Kapan

Still corrupt

After the dismissal of the corrupt and “incompetent” Deuba government, the King had a good chance to make changes in the country. He could have cleaned up corruption, improved

education and given priority to health. But now, the brutality of army and police is on the rise and a bunch of self-centred politicians still rule the country. It seems that the Monarch is playing two opposing factions, the political parties and the Maoists, against each other. But, he should know that this will not help to stop the current bloodshed.

Suneeta Khadgi, via e-mail

Worse days

Commoners are seeing the worse days in the country. Even the capital city is not spared. Innocent people die everyday all over the kingdom. The people are scared not only of the rebels but also of the state security forces. Students are complaining of police

brutality during class hours and also during exams. They are the worst victims of the present “andolan” because they are trapped in between the security forces and the

protestors. The protestors must not block the roads during examination days and the police should not stop the students at college gates. The government and protestors must think that their present strategy could jeopardise the future of the youth.

Sidhartha Shakya, Chhauni

Accept offer

I cannot understand why the government is trying to avoid the United Nations (UN)

assistance. Being a member nation of the UN, Nepal should not blindly say no to the UN proposal, which will actually help to sort out problems at home. It would be better if the leaders understand that there is a difference between other countries offering assistance and the UN doing so. The UN has come forward with the offer because it cannot be a silent spectator to the violation of the human rights and sufferings and killings of thousands of people in Nepal.

Government’s reluctance shows that it is closing doors to peace initiatives and want to deal with the problem itself forgetting about those people who are suffering. May be by welcoming the UN, we could actually restart the much desired peace process. This is time the civil society raised its voice and welcome the UN.

Rajmaya Putwar, Swayambhu