Confusing times

The optimism that pervaded the Nepali psyche during the April Constituent Assembly election seems to be fading as people find it difficult to meet even their basic daily needs. The

price of basic commodities has rocketed; and people in western Nepal are facing an imminent famine owing to food shortage. On the other hand, some of the ministers who have already tendered their resignations continue to receive their salaries and perks and enjoy other previlidges that come with the job. Have these leaders lost their conscience?

Biren Rai, via e-mail

Better late

This is in reference to the news report “Fuel crisis disrupts House session” (THT, Aug 8). At long last, it seems that our representatives in the Constituent Assembly are ready to speak on behalf of common Nepalis who have been hit hard by the shortage of petroleum

products and other essential commodities.

This issue should have been taken up in the House much earlier. Our political leaders have been oblivious to the grievances of common Nepalis even as they claim to be building

a stable and prosperous Nepal.

Sital Kaji Shrestha, India

Red unity

It was a serious mistake on the part of CPN-Maoist to break its political alliance with CPN-UML at such a critical juncture in Nepali politics. This has served to strengthen anti-nationalist forces and disturbed the power equation, which now seems to have tilted in favour of political parties that do not give nationalism high priority.

In keeping with the mandate of April Revolution, it would be desirable for a communist alliance to lead the new government.

Ken Subedi, Biratnagar

Mindless

The other day, a Nepali news channel featured a young woman who was smashing florescent tubes all over her body. At first sight, I praised the young lady for her dare-devilry inspired

perhaps by television channels that glorify such acts. But after a while, the woman started bleeding all over and her only response to the pain was: “When walking on the path of

success, you get hurt but that shouldn’t bother you.” Now what kind of success was that?

There’s a thin line that divides courage from insanity. She wasn’t even participating in a TV show where she would win prizes for her death-defying stunts. News channels should not glorify such acts of madness.

Sheetal Shrestha, via e-mail

Natural gas

A vernacular daily recently reported about deposits of natural gas in certain areas of the capital. The natural gas deposits should be exploited to reduce the shortage of cooking fuel. I would like to suggest that foreign mining experts be brought to the country to explore and set up natural-gas plants.

Private companies and non-resident Nepalis in turn could be encouraged to invest in setting up of these plants. The right to exploit natural-gas deposits could go to the highest bidder.

Solar power, hydropower and night soil should also be considered potential sources of energy.

V P Sayami, Kathmandu