Law of the jungle

This is in reference to the news report “DEO dies after YCL action” (THT, July 13). While the CPN-Maoist is poised to take over the reins of the new government,

unruly actions of YCL are spoiling the party’s public image. If the party fails to take action against those responsible for the death of Hasarat Ali, DEO of Saptari, it will encourage crime in the country, and also under political patronage.

YCL has intensified its anti-corruption drive, and this should be praised. But it has no authority to use brute force to dispense street justice, particularly when there are administrative mechanisms to deal with such issues. The YCL cadres must understand the

difference between the law of the jungle and the law of the land.

Arunakar B Chand,

Kathmandu

Over for now

The drama at Nepalgunj Riot Control Police Battalion has finally ended with the

release of senior officers and arrest of police personnel who took them hostage, “Mutiny quelled; four arrested” (THT, July 15). An act of rebellion within any security body is considered unlawful. However, it is also the duty of the authorities to look into the legitimate grievances of the agitating security personnel.

On the other hand, those guilty of inciting rebellion must be brought to book to preclude similar incidents in the future. Nepal is going through a transitional phase, and Nepalis, as peace loving people, should exercise patience and tolerance to pave the way for building a peaceful country.

Navin Pradhan, Chhauni, Kathmandu

Unfair fare

This concerns the news report “Cabbies tampering with meters, fleecing people” (THT, July 15). The taxis plying in the capital have been taking exorbitant fares from passengers for months. Meters in most taxis show a higher fare than the officially allowed rates, and cabbies demand two to three times the actual fare. Granted that the price of

petroleum products has shot up, but the taxi operators should fix a reasonable fare. Shockingly, when the passengers argue over the sky-high fares, the drivers do not hesitate to give them a tongue lashing. The concerned authorities should devise a scientific mechanism to curb this unhealthy practice and punish the cabbies who fleece passengers.

Sukriti Sharma,

Kathmandu

Bitter pills

Apropos of the news report “Peon prescribing drugs at health post” (THT, July 15), it is sad that most of the health posts around the country have no medical professional and are instead run by people who have little, if any, knowledge and experience to dispense medicines. Prescribing wrong medicines can be fatal. The government should deploy sufficient health workers in rural areas to safeguard public health.

Amol Acharya, Bhaktapur

No amnesty

Apropos of the news report “Rights activist asks government not to pardon criminals” (THT, July 15). I strongly support members of National Human Rights Commission when they say it is wrong to grant blanket amnesty, especially to those involved in serious crimes, because amnesty might encourage more crimes.

Sandeep Singh, Koteshwor, Kathmandu