Straying too far

This is in reference to the news report “YCL ‘threat’: Vote for us or be evicted” (THT, March 31). The activists of the Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League have reportedly warned the people of Nawalparasi that if they do not vote for Maoist candidates, they would be evicted from their homes and be subjected to the kind of torture witnessed during the height of the insurgency. The Maoists are also learned to have put pressure on other political parties to remove their flags and banners atop party offices. Such undemocratic acts will only help spoil the spirit of competitive politics. The Maoists need to change their earlier mindset and be ready to accept people’s verdict.

Sukriti Sharma, Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Eyes on polls

The much-awaited election to the CA is just over a week away. The government and the EC have time and again assured that proper security measures are in place. However, incidents of violence in Tarai have been on the rise of late. The government’s failure to maintain law and order is likely to affect the final outcome. Holding of fair and violence-free polls demands greater participation of all people. NGOs and international intermediaries have an even more important role of observing and monitoring the polls so that the negative elements do not get a chance to raise their ugly heads.

Rupesh R Khanal, Samakhusi, Kathmandu

Inhumane

The police have shown highhandedness in dealing with peaceful protests of Tibetan exiles in

Kathmandu. They allow student affiliates of political parties, including the outlawed ones, to assault and sometimes kill people with impunity, but intimidate, assault and arrest Tibetans for non-violently expressing their desire for democracy in Tibet.

Alexander Phillips,

Washington DC, USA

Out with old

With CA polls just around the corner, the international community is closely observing political

developments in Nepal. The Constituent Assembly election is expected to start a new chapter in the democratic history of Nepal and will serve an important purpose of framing a new constitution that will take into account the grievances of the marginalised, downtrodden and

underprivileged communities. But so long as the same corrupt leaders who have in a decade of democratic rule only been able to showcase their great ineptitude are given the reins of government, Nepal cannot embark on the road to peace and prosperity. The responsibility of framing a new constitution should be given to the representatives who are serious about

addressing the grievances of the common people.

Parasmani Pageni,

via e-mail

Ominous

This refers to the news report “Poudel urges Tarai groups to come for talks” (THT, March 31). The government has been neither able to maintain law and order nor shown an

eagerness for talks with the armed political outfits in Tarai to settle their differences. It would be disastrous for the country if the CA polls were to be deferred again.

Rekha Karki, Ratopul