Walking a tightrope

Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ by invoking Panchsheel has shown what a long way CPN-Maoist has come since its jungle days, “PM for Panchsheel ties with neighbours” (THT, August 24). With each passing day, Prachanda sounds more like a seasoned diplomat than a revolutionary leader who rose to prominence on the back of an armed conflict. This sea change in Prachanda can be seen both ways, good and bad.

The more the Maoists get caught up in day to day politics, the less likely they will take up arms again. But they risk losing their way if they continue to compromise on their

revolutionary demands under the pressure of other mainstream political parties and ‘friendly’

countries. It will be a delicate balancing act.

Barun Bista, via e-mail

Rabies

Apropos of the news report “City’s dogs to get anti-rabies vaccine” (THT, August 24), the coming together of different social organisations in the anti-rabies drive to vaccinate 10,000 stray dogs in the capital is a praiseworthy act. However, a similar initiative of the

Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre, Animal Birth Control Programme, to vaccinate bitches against rabies hasn’t been effective.

Rabies is a fatal, contagious disease transmitted through saliva of rabid animals. One-time vaccination cannot guarantee a rabies-free Kathmandu. To ensure that dogs are not infected with rabies it is essential that they are vaccinated every year. The most effective solution against rabies is spaying and castration of all stray dogs in order to check their numbers.

Dr Sital Kaji Shrestha,

via e-mail

PM’s haul

It has come to light that costly furniture is being purchased to furinsh the official residence of the new Prime Minister. While the country is reeling under acute shortage of food

products and thousands have been rendered homeless owing to floods in the Kosi River, it is no time to waste money on luxury items for the leaders.

Suman Raj Sharma,

Kathmandu

Broad sweep

Nepal’s politics has come a long way. But recent feuds among coalition partners show how low our political leaders can stoop for power. Instead of playing a constructive role in the

opposition, the NC seems ready to crack its whip on coalition partners. On the other hand, Maoist leadership has failed to be sensitive on matters like uniformity of dress on

national occasions, activities of YCL, the need to return seized properties and the role of PLA.

The ultimate success or failure of Prime Minister Prachanda will depend on whether the government succeeds in maintaining law and order and creating a business-friendly

environment. It also remains to be seen if the government will be successful in

controlling corruption and creating enough employment opportunities. The prime task of the

government is to create an enabling environment for the CA to frame a truly

inclusive constitution. But the economic well-being of common people and good governance should never be far from government agenda.

Adarsha Tuladhar,

via e-mail