Alabama absentees

This refers to the news report “Scores of Nepalis missing in US” (THT, Jan 31). Though the Alabama Department for Homeland Security does not consider the incident a security threat, the mass disappearance of Nepali migrant workers from their workplace has raised serious questions about the integrity of Nepali workers. Their act may irrevocably damage the reputation of Nepali migrant workers in the US. Not in the very distant past, Muslims who had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks were ill-treated by American authorities, and even

suspected of belonging to non-existent terrorist outfits. Whatever the reason behind their decision to leave, the factory workers should have notified their employer and other concerned agencies.

Manit Deokota, Ratopul, Kathmandu

Powell’s pun

Apropos of the news report “Maoists should not dominate: Powell” (THT, Jan 31), it was inappropriate for US ambassador Nancy Powell to say that the US didn’t want Maoists to be the dominant force in Nepali political scene. Such statements will only serve to foment anti-American feelings among the Maoists and Nepalis at large.

Especially at a time Nepal is going through an unprecedented political transition, comments of foreign diplomats on Nepal’s internal matters are unacceptable.

Nirmal, via e-mail

Stay out

What US ambassador Nancy Powell said during her meeting with the Indian officials at the Indian External Affairs Ministry makes mockery of US commitment to democracy, peace and stability in Nepal, “Maoists should not dominate: Powell” (THT, Jan. 31). Her statement is just

another example of continuing US interference in Nepali politics. Would anybody remind the

ambassador that it is the Nepali people who decide who should govern them and not the American government?

Rex Shore, Boudha

Fix it

The Web-SMS service that Nepal Telecom, the largest telecom service provider in the country, has recently started has not been functioning for several days now, supposedly due to technical glitches. Would the NT authorities please fix it soon?

Sital Kaji Shrestha, India

Youth power

The youth’s demand for a separate ministry to look after their welfare, “Separate ministry for youths sought” (THT, Jan 31) is a step in the right direction, as it could address the issues

concerning the youth such as brain drain from the country. It would be all the more appropriate to let the youth handle the ministry. They should also be given decision-making power to formulate plans and policies that best suit their interest.

Padam Raj Paneru,

Dhangadi

Still around

The sea of people that turned up for the seven party mass meet in Birgunj on Wednesday shows that the SPA still has a huge following in the Tarai region. Those who predicted the death of the alliance in the Tarai might have been prompted to rethink the popularity of the mainstream political parties.

Ameet Pandey, via e-mail