LETTERS

A comedy of errors

This is in response to Aakash Subba’s letter “They did no wrong” (THT, June 16). Why was it wrong for a common Nepali to occupy that chair? Because once the former king vacated the seat after the press conference, it became property of the Narayanhity Durbar Museum. When people go to Chauni Museum do they wear the armour of former warriors at display and take pictures?

As to what was ‘cheap’ and ‘unseemly’, it was some journalists breaking chairs and attempting theft in the Kaski Hall. Sadly, what seems to epitomise the new loktantrik mindset is the belief that one can vandalise any public property to make oneself heard when one is in discomfort; in this case, the lack of adequate seats for the journalists during the press meet.

Also, any ‘symbolic gesture’ that was ‘aimed at the government’ that day came not from the press, but rather from the deposed king, who gave up his 240-year-old ancestral throne, with a smile and uncharacteristic candour. He seemed to be satirising certain politicians who are refusing to give up their posts, and also those who are now fighting tooth-and-nail to get them.

Sailesh Regmi, via e-mail

Dead wrong

Apropos of the letter “They did no wrong” (THT, June 16), the writer’s contention that there was nothing wrong in some scribes occupying the ex-king’s chair and that this act would not affect Nepal’s international image is dead wrong. He also blames the palace for not arranging the press meet in a bigger hall inside the palace premises. We need to keep in mind that when the reporters were summoned to the palace, ex-king Gyanendra had already been declared a common Nepali citizen and maybe he had no other option but to hold the meet at the easily available Kaski Hall at minimal cost.

Besides, it was pointless to occupy the chair of a common citizen and the scribes proved nothing by doing so. Even if the press conference organisers failed to carry out their duties, civic sense should have made journalists think twice before indulging in such cheap antics.

Saujan Bikram Thapa, via e-mail

Late results

Tribhuvan University, the oldest university in Nepal, has always been used as a playground by politicians. This is reflected in its inefficiency. Continuing with its age-old practice of delaying exam results, TU has not announced the results of Bachelor’s Level (first year) exams even after eight months. The TU authorities say they are planning to bring out results of all Levels within three months of the exams. But that is clearly not happening. The university should mend its ways and not play with the future of the students.

Aashish Shrestha, via e-mail

No solution

The strike called by the Federation of Nepali National Transport Entrepreneurs on June 15 was uncalled for. Strikes are being used as tools to fulfil partisan demands, and it is the common people who have to suffer. Besides, most of the people who asked for a lift on that day were turned down.

It seems as if Nepalis can only be united for destructive purposes. We cannot expect to build a new Nepal without revamping our old mindset.

Manoj Thapa, via e-mail