Other side of the coin

This is in reference to the news report “Maoists out to change their ways for polls” (THT, Dec.19). Though the constitutional process is back on track with the political parties opting for appropriate constitutional changes, the statements made by some senior Maoist leaders leave room to doubt their election commitment.

Even more so as Maoist chairman Prachanda himself has in his recent statements admitted to

having lost some control over his party workers and Maoist youth wing Young Communist League (YCL). With pressure mounting on the Maoists from the Madhesi front, differences among the seven parties reduce the prospects of free and fair CA polls.

While SPA unity is of the highest importance, the prospects for the success of the polls could be made even brighter by bringing the Madhesi groups to forge a consensus on relevant

issues. But above all, the Maoists should respect people’s right to self-determination.

Kohinoor Subedi,

Lainchaur, Kathmandu

Laudable

This refers to the editorial “Road rage” (THT, Dec. 18). The Metropolitan Traffic Police’s drive to raise awareness by launching a month-long traffic awareness campaign is indeed commendable. Since the campaign was launched on Dec. 16 there has been perceptible improvement in the capital’s chaotic traffic. With the campaign to continue for a few more weeks, there’s every hope that the drive will be able to raise awareness about traffic rules and regulations.

However, even after the campaign is over, traffic authorities should make sure that people follow the regulations strictly.

One of the major reasons for traffic jams in the capital is absence of overhead bridges, flyovers, parking areas and traffic lights at major junctions. These areas need the government’s urgent attention.

Rupesh R Khanal,

via e-mail

Change ways

Apropos of the news report “Rebellion if Maoists tie up with Royalists: YCL” (THT, Dec. 20), the rift between the Maoists and its youth wing YCL only seems to be growing wider with YCL president Ganesh Man Pun warning that rebellion would break out if the CPN-Maoist joined hands with hardcore royalists. Pun’s remarks reek of prejudice in implying that YCL would

accept any outfit that accepts a republican set-up. The CPN-Maoist or its youth wing should be ready to adopt democratic ways and stop threatening armed rebellion if they want to take the peace process to a logical conclusion.

Basanta Devkota,

Gaurighat, Kathmandu

Abortion

This concerns the news report “Teenage abortion on rise in Kavre” (THT, Dec. 20). It is repulsive that dozens of school and college-going teenage girls are undergoing abortion in Kavre district every month. Though the government legalised abortion with a good intent, it appears to have given rise to social problems with people indulging in promiscuous sexual

activities. It is also not a hidden secret that most of the abortion centres are carrying out abortion of foetuses over 12 weeks old, which is illegal. The government should take

action against such unscrupulous professionals.

Baidyanath Upadhayay, Old Baneshwor