Participatory method?

The expanded cabinet is jumbo sized as reported in '' Nepal expands jumbo cabinet'' ( THT, Sept 3). As the size of the government balloons,theeffort goes down. Obviously, the collection of ministersnumerically is big and it is to support and lengthen the existing government through a participatory method. But, the results will be fruitless. This is not the right way of seeking solutions. More money has to be spent on allowances and facilities for the ministers of the jumbo team which the country cannot afford. The biggest democratic country India has a cabinet with only 78 members. The more important thing is not the size but sincerity. It is a bad practice to hold the burdensome portfolios. The urgent job is to write the constitution and conclude the peace process, not enjoying power. Giving position to all and gaining support is

cunning, not wise.

Khem Regmi, Central Dept of Buddhist Studies

Frustrating

This is in reference to the news "School shut after YCL attack" (THT, Sep 2). It was frustrating to read about the deliberate and brutal act of the Maoist wing, the YCL. I really can't understand it. Is it for the YCL or the authority to take action against the school for its closure, if required? To me, what I have been observing is that the YCL is trying to flex its muscles, which I think is is but making a mockery of the law of the land. The brutal act can in no way be condoned under any circumstance. The YCL is not the authority that should look after the school's issues. It should be the government or the other legal bodies. The YCL should be booked for its brutality.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne,

Australia.

Distance

Apropos of the article "Integration models for Maoist combatants" (THT, Sep 1), it seems that integration in the

present scenario of the country is almost impossible. The growing distance between political parties has led the nation on the path that has no end. Thus, it's important for the parties to remain in a state where consensus can be maintained, whether it be on the question of federalism or be it the question of solving the Maoist combatant problem. If there is no concurrence in the vision of the parties, neither of the problems will be solved and thestatus quo will continue to remain

regardless of the number of years. Also, no constitution will be written and restructuring of the nation on the said ground will also not be sought.

Apparently, the present political thoughts of the parties, visions and their capability to handle the situation, all seem to be immature. It has been seen that not even a single party is fit for conducting negotiations, very truly they do not have the

requisite negotiation skills.

The only thing in their mind is: how to get their petty demands fulfilled. Has any one assessed until now what will happen if the problem of the Maoist combatants remains unsolved? What if the new constitution is not enacted in time?Weall are busy in the unproductive tug-of-war. Doesn't the present status quo lead to people's war-III if all the pledges taken before the people are irresponsibly neglected?

Sanjay Shrestha, via e-mail

Sensitive

Your editorial "Another commitment", (THT, September 3) certainly makes sense because the whole issue of the integration and rehabilitation of the verified Maoist combatants in the cantonments is a very sensitive one. It is true that the direct integration of the Maoist combatants in the Nepal Army is fraught with both technical and political reasons. In fact, it is strange that nothing has

happened in over three years since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement had been signed leading to the Maoist coming into the mainstream politics. I also agree that the UCPN (M) should have been extra effortful in going ahead with the plans

for the integration but they, for reasons known best to them, paid only lip service. This

passivity on their part might have a further deep meaning which, I hope will not be another round of disturbance in the name of a third people's movement.

Political wariness is the shield that has to be developed by the political parties, though the people have started their distrust for them because of their lackluster performance that does not see the welfare ofthe people as their prime duty.

Sukriti Sharma, via e-mail