Fuelling hatred

Apropos of the news report “ Matrika stages matribhasa stunt” (THT, Jan3), it is quite inappropriate that a responsible Maoist leader like Matrika Yadav created such a scene refusing to be sworn in only in his own mother tongue. Perhaps, Yadav was trying to express his solidarity with the Madheshi movement and the demands that have frequently been made by the Madhesi community.

However, Yadav should internalise the fact that he is first a Nepali and not a communal leader. He should also understand that such an act only fuels anti-nationalistic feelings and communal hatred.

Srijan Sapkota, Satdobato, Lalitpur

Ensure rights

This refers to the news report “TMDP sets Jan 18 deadline to fulfil demands “ (THT, Jan.4). The delegation of the newly formed Tarai-Madhesh Democratic Party has handed over an 11-point memorandum to the Prime Minister and also given an ultimatum to the government to fulfil it by January 18. Though the legislature-parliament has already made major decisions, including that of declaring the country a federal democratic republic, it does not seem to have paid much attention to the demands being raised by some Madhesi groups. To calm the agitation in the Tarai and create an atmosphere conducive for the CA polls, the government needs to ensure the rights of the Madhesi people. Unless the government addresses their grievances , it is unlikely that CA polls can he held in a free and fair atmosphere.

Prasish Maharjan, Kalopul, Kathmandu

Bravo!

This refers to the news report “Matrika stages matribhasa stunt” (THT, Jan. 4). Though Matrika’s antics created quite a furore in the parliament during the swearing-in ceremony, he has definitely impressed the Madhesi community by refusing to take oath of office in a language other than his own mother tongue. Though Madhesis are as much citizens of Nepal as any other Nepalis, they have been discriminated against by other communities for decades.

The recent agitation of the Madhesis in the Tarai is the result of this. Yadav deserves praise for his determination. His stand has raised his stock among the Madhesi community.

Bikash Shah, Balkhu, Kirtipur

Unjust

The Maoists have re-joined the government with the promise that they will leave no stone unturned to hold the CA polls by mid-April.

However, with the major issues including the declaration of Nepal as a federal democratic republic already settled, there wouldn’t be much reason left for the Nepalis to participate in the polls. The voters can now just endorse the decisions through the election.

In the present situation, all vital decisions, including the question of head of state and political structure, have already been made. Such vital decisions should have been made through wide political process, either through the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly or

a referendum.

The Nepali people did not participate in Jana Andolan II to end king’s autocratic regime

and establish another dictatorship.

Dhruba Nepal, Chidipani, Palpa