Best chance now

This is in reference to the news report “Govt, UMDF talks end inconclusively” (THT, Feb 20). It is an encouraging sign that the representatives of the UMDF and the government finally met in a bid to resolve the Tarai crisis. Moreover, the positive attitude shown the government during the first round of talks with the Madhesi leaders has brightened the prospects for the CA polls. This is the best opportunity for both sides to resolve their differences for the good of the nation.

Basanta Devkota,

Gaurighat, Kathmandu

Unjustifiable

Apropos of the news report “Federalism a ploy to split the nation: Expert” (THT, Feb 20). The demand for autonomous Tarai region and the right to self-determination made by some of the Madhesi political parties is irrelevant in that the concept applies only to colonial states. As the constitution has not discriminated against any Nepali citizen on the grounds of sex, religion or political ideology and gives all absolute freedom to practice and promote their ethnic and cultural practices, there is hardly any justification for the demand. If the nation is

secular in terms of religion, it should not be divided in the name of ethnicity. Now that the people of Tarai have already got their rightful representation in the CA, the agitating Tarai groups should not make much fuss about something that is not in the interest of the nation.

Prabin Sharma, Minbhawan, Kathmandu

Proceed

This refers to the news report “Tarai stir a ploy of regressive forces:

Prachanda” (THT, Feb 20). There is little doubt that the Tarai agitation has been

motivated by external forces that do not want peace and stability to be established in Nepal. Prachanda is right in pointing out that regressive forces are behind the criminal activities and violence in the Tarai.

However, the SPA cannot escape by passing the buck. It should do all it can to find a solution to the Tarai crisis.

Rekha Karki, Ratopul,

Kathmandu

Myopic

Apropos of the letter “Act sensibly” (THT, Feb 19), I agree with the writer that the agitation in the Tarai may obstruct CA polls. I also agree with the writer in that it is the Maoists who sowed the seeds of communal hatred. The Tarai agitation is the logical repercussion of the Maoists’ myopic strategy to hold on to power by dividing communities. The CA election is indispensable to the building of a new Nepal and to the well-being of the Nepalis. So, the political leaders irrespective of their ideologies should unite to make the CA polls a success.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne, Australia

Not indecent

I do not agree with the writer of the letter “Indecent” (THT, Feb. 19) that the Midway

article “Lust for language” (THT, Feb 18) contained inappropriate references to sex that encouraged youngsters to indulge in irresponsible activities. Nepal is among the few Asian countries where sex education is imparted at school level. Reading about sex, particularly when it does not contain offensive references. is informative rather than ‘indecent’. Moreover, it depends on the readers how they want to absorb the information provided. Suresh, via e-mail