Sowing doubts

This is in reference to the news report “Prachanda gives one week to resolve deadlock” (THT, Dec. 9). Maoist chairman Prachanda’s recent call for a ‘new unity’ with the

‘nationalists’, people who have supported the King, has not only raised serious concern among not only the general public but also the political fraternity.

Moreover, if this new unity is forged it will not only disturb the unity between the SPA and the Maoists but may also derail the peace process. But most importantly, monarchy

will get the opportunity to strengthen its political base.

His remarks have cast doubts on the ideological objectives of the Maoists since the start of the insurgency. If the Maoists are serious about unity with the pro-king people, how would they justify their ‘people’s war’ during which thousands of people were killed and property worth millions destroyed? The Maoists would violate the spirit of Jana Andolan II by forging any such alliance with the royalists.

Rupesh R Khanal,

via e-mail

Punish them

This is in reference to the photograph of a Swiss tourist who was allegedly beaten up by Maoists (THT, Dec. 7). The Maoist intimidation of tourists to collect donations, especially when the party has already joined mainstream politics, is deplorable. Moreover, in

a country like ours, where tourism remains the backbone of national economy, incidents like

this give negative signals about Nepal to the outside world, thus discouraging tourists to visit Nepal.

This, in turn, might affect the national economy seriously, at a time when the industry has been showing signs of recovery because of an increase in tourist arrivals early this year. The guilty should be punished.

Subash Dahal, Group 4

Falck, via e-mail

Shameful

This refers to the news report “Maoists beat up tourist” (THT, Dec 6). It is shameful that the Maoists beat up Swiss citizen Steve Jeannert at Birethanti of Kaski district just because he refused to pay donation. Such criminal activities would not only tarnish their image but also affect tourism, which is one of the biggest sources of foreign currency for the country. Following the Comprehensive Peace Accord between the SPA and the Maoists, travel trade was gradually increasing again. Thousands of people depend on tourism for their livelihood. The authorities must punish the culprits so that such acts are not repeated in the future.

Sabin Thapa,

Ex-Reservation &

Correspondence Executive, AmaDablam

Adventure Group

Unfortunate

It is sad to say that the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Thai Airways started their services in the same year. While Thai Airways has become one of the best airlines in the world, NAC is still struggling to survive. In fact, NAC has become notorious for

mismanagement and irregularities. The NAC management should learn from the success of its contemporaries and improve its services. A good management can make NAC prosperous again.

Yam Gurung,

United Kingdom