Respect the law

Apropos of the news report “UML’s Youth Force courts controversy after graft slur” (THT, July 2), allegations made by the youth wing of the UML might be every bit true, but they have no right to take the law into their own hands and dispense justice on the streets. We have

already had enough of the atrocities perpetrated by the youth wing of the Maoists, now we cannot have another youth wing that purports to run parallel administration to maintain the law and order. Furthermore, the accused should have the right to free and fair trail to defend himself as any other citizen. If found guilty, he should be punished under the law of the land.

Gaurav Rajkoti,

Kathmandu

Phoney

This is in reference to the very suitably titled editorial, “Beleaguered bride” (THT July 2) on the plight of Sangita Devi of Rautahat who is only one of the many victims of the dowry system that remains a disgrace among our Madhesi brethren in the Terai. It shows that not all problems of the Madhesh are the results of discrimination that the Madhesi parties purport to be. What have the Madhesh-based parties done to end such unsavoury practices ?

Bihari Krishna Shrestha, Chakiupat Green Block, Patan

Punish them

This refers to the news report “Woman thrashed, expelled from home over dowry” (THT, July 1). Not only Sangita Devi, but hundreds of women, especially those in the rural areas, are subjected to torture and violence over dowry by their in-laws. In spite of this, women’s rights organisations do not seem to have done enough to alleviate the plight of victimised women. While the government has introduced several measures to educate and empower women, hardly anything has been done to bring an end to this social malady.

Mahesh Yadav, Ghattekulo, Kathmandu

Torture

This is in reference to the news report “Torture rampant in Nepal: NHRC” (THT, June 27). It is ironical that the government authorities continue to torture common people on different pretexts even more than a year after the end of the Maoist insurgency. Moreover, some political parties that have earlier made commitments to renounce violence and unlawful activities have not kept their word. It is high time such people were brought to book.

Dibakar Pant, via e-mail

Rights

It seems that marginalised communities are still worried about whether their rights will be guaranteed in the new constitution.

I believe they might have a chance to build their trust on the leaders, if their representatives are elected to run the next government. It is a pity that none of the top leaders represent these communities.

V P Sayami, Kathmandu

Fears

Nepali people are known for their tolerance. Now that the Madhesi parties are

demanding “One Madhes, one Pradesh”, it has not only evoked bitter feelings

between the people of the Tarai and the hills but has also given way to the fear that it would lead the nation towards disintegration.

Paul Rai, via email