Double standards

This is in reference to the news report “No change in US stand on Maoists, says Powell” (THT, Dec. 11). The US ambassador’s statements seem self-contradictory and a far cry from the consistency of the former US ambassador, James F Moriarty. While Powell asserts that Prachanda will not be granted a US visa, presumably due to the Maoists’ continuing violence, she categorically states the ‘inevitability’ of PLA integration into the Nepal Army. Is that not an exercise in double standards?

She also appears to confuse the issue of integration, which can be part of a Disarmament

Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) function combined with that of Security Sector Reform (SSR). SSR is required owing to Nepal’s transition into better democracy — the

acceptance that there should not be any politicisation within the national army. As such, it

implies the reform of the wider state apparatus not just the military. Clarity, consistency and principled approach of US policy has been instrumental in fostering peace in Nepal. In the past, US statements have often vocalised the true but muted feelings of Nepali

democrats and the common people. The US should continue to have the same approach.

Ram Badhur Kattel,

Dhapasi, Kathmandu

Human rights

This refers to the editorial “Rights wronged” (THT, Dec. 11). Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan hosted a grand reception at Shital Niwas to mark the 59th International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 during which American envoy Nancy Powell as well as PM Koirala emphasised the need to promote human rights in Nepal. Though Nepali people are no less free, Nepalis have not been able to fully enjoy fundamental human rights granted by the

Constitution, either.

Human rights progress must be assessed taking into account the ground reality that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which is extremely short-funded, is expected to perform Herculean human rights “operations”. More assistance is definitely required, both human and logistical, so that current institutional challenges to human rights promotion and education in Nepal are fully met. Most human rights abuses in Nepal are perpetuated by the seven parties in the government who have often enjoyed impunity. Let’s hope that the US ambassador’s suggestions to make genuine efforts to raise awareness on human

rights will bear fruit in the days to come.

Surya B Prasai, Maryland, USA

Irresponsible

This is in reference to the news report “Minister Thakur, 3 MPs resign over Tarai turmoil” (THT, Dec.11). It is an utterly irresponsible act of minister Thakur and the MPs to

tender their resignations, especially at a time when the unrest in Tarai needs to be solved as quickly as possible for the CA polls to be held in time. Instead of tendering their resignation, these politicians, as the representatives of the Madhesi community, should have directed their efforts at addressing the issues raised by the Madhesi community. If the politicians fail to

resolve the Tarai crisis, they will not only lose confidence of the people they represent but will also do injustice to their responsibility as political leaders.

Sumit Gupta, via e-mail