Collective interest

It is very gratifying that the Pashupati temple priest appointment issue has been resolved for the time being. Prime Minister Prachanda must be thanked for the initiative that he took in this regard. Being the patron of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), he should have been aware of the implications of the said appointment earlier on. It is because of the lack of planning and foresight that Hindus’ sentiments have been hurt as some of the religious worships could not take place in Pashupati for a couple of days. It was very unfortunate that such an event came to take place when the government time and again made commitment to work for the welfare of the people. I hope that care is taken when the PADT makes

recommendations next time for the appointment of priests for the vacant posts. The state should move away from being involved in religious matters; a totally independent body should have the authority to do so. The body could be comprised of eminent and learned Hindus. The possibility of controversies would be minimised, and if they occur then the court of law is there. This would be peaceful and in the interest of all.

Sukriti Sharma, Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Mishaps

It is very sad that reports of accidents are regular in THT. Most of the time it is reported that the mishaps occurred as the vehicles were carrying passengers beyond their capacity. It is a very serious matter and the attention of the concerned authorities is lacking.

Regular checks along the highways and the urban roads have to be conducted so that the public vehicles are not overcrowded. If such vehicle operators do not follow the guidelines, they should be penalised by revoking their licences. The traffic police have to be extra sensitive on this matter because overcrowded vehicles have been found to be most accident-prone.

Action is required, not mere words.

Manit Deokota, Sukkedhara, Kathmandu

Insecurity

Apropos of the news report “Extortion mafia rules roost” (THT, Jan. 8), though the government claims that the security situation has improved, abductions, murders and extortions continue unabated.

The situation is worse in the Tarai where various armed and unarmed groups run amok perpetrating acts of violence with absolute impunity. While the Home Ministry seems to have enough time to indulge in unnecessary affairs, it seems to have less for the task of maintaining law and order throughout the country. If fear and violence arre to prevail as they have done since the insurgency days, the new constitution alone cannot guarantee the

fundamental freedoms of Nepali citizens.

Bibek Sharma, Mandikatar, Kathmandu

Irresponsible

This is in reference to the news report “Boat operators face aggrieved passenger’s fury, 6 hurt in clashes” (THT, Jan. 8). Though it is natural for the locals to vent their ire on the boat

operators who do not consider the safety of passengers, it is the local authorities who should be held responsible for the mishap. Had the authorities enforced certain safety regulations, lives could not have been lost.

Amol Acharya, Gatthaghar, Bhaktapur