Landmark decision

In reference to the news report “SC fiat to criminalise excessive use of force” (THT, May 13), the absence of effective criminal justice system in Nepal has given the security forces the

leeway to use excessive force. In the past few years, the security bodies have earned a bad reputation for victimising the innocent and for miserably failing to maintain law and order. The Supreme Court’s verdict to criminalise excessive use of force and compensate the victims of such atrocities will safeguard citizen’s right to liberty and peaceful protest. The decision is also likely to deter security personnel from using force while dealing with criminals.

Riju Jha, Pokharia,

Biratnagar

Leave

The Madhesi parties’ demand that PM G P Koirala resign immediately to pave the way for the Maoists to lead the next government is quite valid, “Madhesi parties seek PM’s resignation” (THT, May 13). It is a moral obligation of all political parties to obey people’s mandate and help the Maoists form a new government. The new government should include all political parties elected to the CA to check the hegemony of any one party.

Nevertheless, the political parties, especially the CPN-Maoist, should agree to amend the constitutional provision that requires a two-thirds majority to form or dissolve the government. That will make it easier to take the peace process forward.

Manit Deokota, Ratopul, Kathmandu

Referendum

The fact that the Maoists enjoy overwhelming support of Nepalis was evident in the CA polls. At the same time, no party was able to garner an absolute majority. This makes it necessary that political parties move ahead with consensus until a new constitution is drafted. Also, the institution of monarchy can still play a crucial role in maintaining national harmony and unity in the country. I applaud K P Bhattrai and Kamal Thapa’s effort to defend the institution of monarchy and urge political parties to decide on its fate through a referendum.

Chiranjivi Lamichane, Dudhpati, Bhaktapur

Incredible

Isn’t it astonishing that political parties are still haggling over the issue of monarchy, “Fringe parties for doing away with monarchy” (THT, May 12)? I thought the fate of

monarchy was sealed once and for all by the April Revolt in 2006. But more than two years on, the parties are still arguing over the ‘relevance’ of monarchy. Even the Maoists are reported to be speaking in confusing terms. All kinds of models are being worked out to allow the monarch ‘a respectable exit’. This sort of confusion has only raised doubts about the motive of the political parties, including the CPN-Maoist.

Sarita Awasthi, Birjung

Amend

Apropos of the news report “Govt formation no cakewalk for CPN-Maoists” (THT, May 12), it is all too natural to doubt Maoist commitment to democracy as they have been cool to the demands of political parties to amend the constitutional provision requiring a two-thirds majority to form or dissolve the government. This provision should be amended so as to prevent the hegemony of a particular party.

Anuja Chand, via e-mail