Time to deliver

It comes as refreshing news that a full Council of Ministers will be formed soon under newly elected Prime Minister Prachanda after four months of illegitimate rule by a government that was accountable to the defunct legislature-parliament. It is now upon the Maoists to show that they are capable of governing a democracy and honest in implementing their past promises to the Nepali people. Here is wishing the new government all the very best.

Samyog Bhattarai, via e-mail

Neglected

Apropos of the news report “Flood renders 30,000 homeless” (THT, August 19), the Koshi River has often wreaked havoc upon the lives of people living in the vicinity. In the last few decades, the river has flooded scores of villages and rendered thousands homeless. The Koshi dam, built some five decades ago, has outlived its utility, but little was done to prevent this disaster. Had the dam been fortified, flooding could have been averted. It is urgent to carry out relief efforts for flood victims and to rebuild the dam.

Manit Devkota,

Sukkedhara, Kathmandu

PLA for PM

With respect to the news report “Maoists mobilise PLA for PM’s security” (THT, August 19), in spite of the Maoist leadership’s pledges to bring down its military structure, plainclothes PLA personnel have been deployed for the security of the new Prime Minister. It is the responsibility of the national security agencies to make security arrangements for the head of state and chiefs of constitutional bodies. This move has made people suspicious of Maoist commitment to a democratic polity. The Maoists lead a democratic government; they must not act like rebels.

Amol Acharya, via e-mail

To-do list

Though Nepalis have their first republican Prime Minister, common people continue to suffer owing to shortage of basic commodities and absence of law and order. It is understandable that the new government cannot be expected to change everything overnight, but it should at least take measures in some areas to give common people hope, immediately after the new Council of Ministers is announced. For example, the new government could take necessary steps to manage the capital’s chaotic traffic, which is one of the major bugbears for the

Valley residents. Strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations should also come under the new government’s to-do list.

Ramila Karmacharya, Kathmandu

Refreshing

This is in reference to the news report “Musharraf steps down as prez” (THT, August 19). The Pakistani president has stepped down as the opposition was preparing to impeach him on charges of establishing a military dictatorship. Musharraf’s resignation

heralds a new era, which can be expected to build strong foundations of peace and stability in Pakistan. The new president who will succeed Musharraf, apart from fighting extremism, also needs to focus on key issues like poverty, unemployment and corruption that Pakistanis have long been suffering from.

Sukriti Sharma, via e-mail