Good news, bad news

This is in reference to the contrasting news reports “Prachanda tells YCL to demilitarise” (THT, Aug 7) and “YCL turns violent, Lamjung under curfew” (THT, Aug 8). That CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda has finally taken the initiative to control activities of the Young Communist League (YCL) should be appreciated; his instructions to YCL cadres are well timed and likely to improve the party’s image.

Sadly though, violent acts of YCL in Lamjung suggest that the party leadership has no control over its youth wing. It falls on the Maoist leadership to punish YCL cadres involved in the Lamjung incident.

Furthermore, the Maoist should return properties seized during the conflict. As the single largest party, it should also work to forge a consensus with other political parties in drafting the new constitution at the earliest.

Arunakar B Chand, via e-mail

Unnecessary

Apropos of the news report “Millions paid to free Dr Devkota’s daughter” (THT, Aug 7), it is surprising THT is more concerned about Upendra Devkota’s personal life instead of his young daughter’s plight. This is the time everybody should be helping the girl and her family recover from the trauma of the unpleasant episode. It is the duty of the media to disclose criminal activities and put pressure on law enforcement agencies to bring the culprits to book. However, by providing extraneous personal details, the media may inadvertently be putting the victims in further pain.

Srinkhala Sharma, via e-mail

It reeks

This concerns the extremely unhygienic environment created by unmanaged disposal of garbage around the premises of St. Mary’s school, which is a nuisance not only to those belonging to the school but also to the whole neighbourhood.

The municipality has been informed but it has been unable to help because of the shortage of fuel to run garbage collecting vehicles. The political leaders do not tire of speaking about their lofty aims, but seldom do the right thing when problems of immediate public conern call for solution.

Rhea Gurung, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur

Let it rest

After the declaration of Nepal as a federal democratic republic by the first meeting of the

Constituent Assembly, the 239-year-old institution of monarchy formally ceased to exist.

Consequently, ex-king Gyanendra and his family members have been staying as commoners on the outskirts of the capital. However, I am surprised that THT continues to give undue importance to the former royals “Purnika in S’pore school” (THT, Aug 11). The admission of former king’s grandchildren into a Singaporean school is of no interest to Nepalis.

Tika Poudel, USA

Fifty-fifty

Your Sunday supplement ‘Perspectives’ is entertaining and informative, but not so much is Friday’s ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ supplement, which only seems to be making celebrities out of ordinary people. THT should rather focus on pressing issues of the society.

Kamal Poudel, via-email