Tradition broken

This is in reference to the news brief “Govt suspends head priest” (THT, Feb. 13). Though the king is no longer the head of state and is stripped of all his powers, he still commands respect over many Nepali Hindus. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala should not have broken the age-old tradition and hurt the sentiments of thousands of Hindus, who want the king to head religious ceremonies.

Sharad Dhungana,

via e-mail

Tarai talks

Apropos of the news report “Talks invite for agitating factions” (THT, Feb. 13), it is appreciable that the SPA government has finally taken the Tarai issue seriously. In fact, with only a couple of months left for the much awaited Constituent Assembly polls, not only should the agitating groups in the Tarai readily accept the offer for the talks but the government should also demonstrate its willingness to address the genuine demands of the Madhesis. An early resolution of the Tarai crisis would brighten the prospects of free and fair polls and hence Nepal’s successful transition to democracy.

Amol Acharya, Gatthaghar, Bhaktapur

Support

This is in support of the letter “Dogs” by Ankita Upadhyay published (THT, Feb.13). I agree with the writer in that the scores of NGOs that have been established to manage street dogs have not been fulfilling their duty while thriving on the funds provided by donors. Unhealthy street dogs are a public nuisance and can also pose serious health hazards. The

authorities should pressurise organisations to fulfil their duty responsibly.

Shiva Neupane,

Melbourne, Australia

Wicked

Exploitation of child labour is quite rampant in households in the capital. Children have not only been employed as domestic help but also forced to undertake hazardous work in factories and other business houses. Though there are legal provisions that strictly

prohibit child labour, children are increasingly being exploited. Authorities should see to it that laws are strictly implemented to control child exploitation.

Bijaya Upadhyay, Lazimpat

No waste

This refers to the Midway piece “Feeding a fetish” (THT, Feb. 13). I do not agree with the writer that the glossy magazine that panders to people’s fetishes is a waste of the life-saving forests. What would the writer say about the daily newspapers, which are circulated in their millions everyday? I have read hundreds of articles that aren’t groundbreaking either.

Prisma Limbu, Dolahity

Hardship

Even as the country is gearing up for the Constituent Assembly election, new problems have been cropping up. Though the government appears intent on resolving the Tarai crisis, it must equally be concerned about addressing other pressing issues that have made public life

difficult. Most importantly, the government must ensure steady supply of petroleum products and other commodities of daily consumption as immediately as possible.

Milan Banjara, Panauti