Without empathy

I was saddened to read the news report “Kin kick out HIV-hit, schools deny admission” (THT, May 8). This episode is the tip of the iceberg of the greater malaise afflicting Nepali

society. It is a well-established scientific fact that HIV/AIDS cannot be transmitted through

casual contact or through air. But Nepalis, even the highly educated ones, dread every kind of contact with HIV/AIDS infected due to the taboo associated with the disease. But rendering the sick social outcasts will only exacerbate the problem.

Unless common folks can be convinced that those suffering from the disease too are ordinary human beings with aspirations and desires as everyone else, events like this will be

repeated time and again.

Education is not enough. Empathy for fellow human beings differentiates human beings from animals.

Jenith Limbu, via e-mail

Reminder

THT frontpage photograph of Rato Machhindranath on May 8 reminded me of the accident of Seto Machhindranath not long ago that left many people seriously hurt. I hope the event organisers have learned their lessons and will exercise more caution this time to ensure that the chariot procession is risk free.

Sujita Ranabhat, Lainchaur

Sinister

The death toll from the recent cyclone in Myanmar continues to climb. It is now estimated that as many as half a million lost their lives or otherwise suffered because of the devastation wreaked by Nargis. The reclusive nature of the military government has certainly not helped matters. It continues to hinder the supply of food and humanitarian aid on bogus pretext of foreign intervention in its internal affairs. It is rather strange, and equally tragic, that the same government that invited foreign countries to help it is impeding humanitarian efforts. I urge the Myanmar government not to increase the suffering of its own people.

Ram P Aryal, Gulmi

Be clear

Apropos of Ajaya Bhadra Khanal’s “Maoists brimming with post-poll confidence” (THT, May 7), isn’t it all too obvious that the former rebels should be on cloud nine after their astounding victory in the CA polls? It is needless to say that they are confident because they won maximum number of seats in the Constituent Assembly. Also, it would have been more helpful if Dr Baburam Bhattarai had gone beyond clichés to clarify his party’s stand on important issues like monarchy, army integration, state restructuring and leadership of future government. So far, the Maoists have only made vague statements on these vital issues. They should speak in terms that even the most common man can understand.

Suresh Panthi, KU

Food crisis

The government should wake up to the impending food crisis in Nepal. As the world food supply chain comes under strain, Nepal will be severely affected due to its divorce from the world economy owing to its landlocked status. What will happen to poor Nepalis if the inflow of essential commodities to Nepal is blocked? What alternative measures does the

government have?

Ravi Yadav, Birgunj