Beaten path of politicians

This is in reference to the edit page article “Political trends” (THT, Dec. 10) by Lok Raj Baral. The writer’s claim that politicians in general are on the fast track of being discredited due

to irresponsible statements they make from time to time seemed to me as the new awakening of the intelligentsia in the country.I indeed support the writer in that our leader’s speeches have turned out to be empty, only alienating people from the present politicians.

Since people’s aspirations change over time, politicians too need to change track

and fine-tune their opinions instead of taking the beaten path.

Dr Pravin Rajbahak, Birgunj

Deplorable

Apropos of the letter “Punish them” (THT, Dec 10), it is deplorable that the Maoists still continue to intimidate and extort tourists. The Maoists have frequently vowed to renounce

violence. But there is much they could do to match their words.

This does not behove them now as they have joined the mainstream politics. It is time for the Maoists to cultivate a sense of respect for the laws of the land and assume greater responsibility consistent with the common interest of Nepalis to improve on their image of an

irresponsible and violent party.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne, Australia

SPA unity

Though the political leaders have been emphasising the seven party unity for the continuing peace process to succeed, there’s hardly any indication that the leaders themselves are convinced of their empty rhetoric. If the recent political developments are anything to go by, both the Maoists and the Nepali Congress leaders are scrambling to use the “royalist card” as a bargaining chip.

But all the major parties in the seven party coalition should understand that it was not to protect the institution of monarchy that people came out on the streets in support of the

April Movement but to demolish the bastions of feudalism.

People gave the parties the mandate to hold the constituent assembly elections and not to protect or overthrow one institution or another. If the political parties do not stop their political wrangling and forge the much-needed unity, Nepal might become a failed state.

Prem Pathak, Bharatpur-10, Chitwan

Maoist rant

This refers to the news report “Punish NC’s pro-king MPs: Dev Gurung”(THT, Dec. 9). Though the Maoist leader Dev Gurung has blamed the regressive forces for the present state of anarchy in the country, it is the Maoists’ stance on the issues of republicanism and proportional representation system that have created hurdles to the peace process.

Moreover, it is unreasonable for the Maoist leader to demand action against Nepali Congress

Members of Parliament who have spoken in favour of monarchy. In a democracy, everyone has the right to express their opinions and the parliament has no right to take action against MPs for expressing their views. The Maoists should make sure that they respect the freedom of expression of MPs.

Rekha Karki, via e-mail