Short-lived hopes

Perhaps, for students who spend most of their time staging protests on the streets, extended hours of load-shedding might be a boon. The power cuts might be yet another excuse for them to avoid the rigours of studies. But the laborious students, whose only hope is to make their future bright by earning academic distinction, surely are at the receiving end. Like other sections of society, many students had high hopes when a new government was formed. Sadly, it was short-lived hopes.

Aanchal Khadka,

Kathmandu

Ungodly

Speaking at an interaction, Maoist leader Top Bahadur Rayamajhi said that the Prime Minister instead of the President should be the patron of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) (“Leaders hold forth shrine controversy”, THT, Jan. 10). How appropriate would it be for the PM who chose to drop the word “God” while taking oath of office, to be the patron of the trust? An independent and non-political person having faith in God, perhaps, could better effectively and transparently manage the affairs of the Pashupatinath Temple.

Subin Chhetri, Sitapaila, Kathmandu

TU strike

This is in reference to the news report “Threat to shut down Kirtipur, Balkhu” (THT, Jan. 12). The continued strikes and bandhs have adversely affected academic activities in educational

establishments throughout the country. I do not think that it would be wise of the Tribhuvan University Victims’ struggle committee to call yet another indefinite strike, which would only make the students suffer. I believe that problems can be solved through mutual

understanding rather than by staging such protests.

Yubraj Bhandari, Bangkok

Ominous

There are rumours that CPN-Maoist leader Matrika Yadav is about to launch a new party and is in constant touch with the armed groups in the Tarai. If this is true, it will not only have a negative impact on the internal dynamics of the CPN-Maoist but will likely also affect its organisational base in the Tarai. This definitely will not augur well for the party and the nation.

Anjan Gurung, Pokhara

Deterrent

Visiting Chinese investors have stated that Nepal lacks an investor friendly

environment. The never ending labour turmoil has been the major deterrent to attracting foreign investors in Nepal. Political parties should give up their populist policies of inciting the labour force, which has already resulted in the closure of dozens of factories throughout the country. Strikes should be made illegal and the investors should have the freedom to hire and fire labour as per the labour policy of the government.

D B Sayami, Kathmandu

Neglected

Though the CPN-Maoist has highlighted the importance of science and technology in its election manifesto, nothing has been done so far. The government must make enough investment in the sector so as to produce enough technical experts to propel our country’s progress.

Bijayamani Paudel,

Kathmandu