Why this U-turn?

I was shocked to learn that the American embassy granted visas to Maoist leaders. The

United States has assisted Nepal in the peace process. The statements of US politicians, ambassadors and diplomats on Nepal have been clear, and share the concerns of many Nepalis, who could not be vocal for fear of the Maoists.

United States policy and pressure have also played a role in bringing the Maoists into the peace process, making them deposit their arms in the temporary cantonments under United Nations monitoring.

The US is a democratic country and it is natural for it to stand for the Nepali people’s fundamental freedoms. The U-turn in the approach of the US and its new ambassador is thus

surprising. Are the Maoists no longer on the US Terror Watch List?

The new ambassador and her team ought to take a deep look at the implications of this softness towards the Maoists.

Appeasement of the Maoists is only going to strengthen their bid for absolute power.

Poonam Lama, Kathmandu

People’s say

As a citizen of democratic Nepal, I respect the right of the representatives of the political parties to exercise their freedom in the parliament. However, I cannot accept it when the legislature denies my right as a sovereign citizen to choose between republicanism and monarchy.

The present legislature has outlived its tenure and cannot arbitrarily pass proposals which are beyond its jurisdiction. The people should be allowed to exercise their right through their elected representatives in the constituent assembly, especially when it comes to making such a crucial choice between monarchy and republicanism.

Ramesh Bahadur Shrestha, Lalitpur

Way out

It is good that Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala called for a special session of the

legislature-parliament in order to end the present political deadlock in Nepal. However, I do hope that the issues are discussed and finally put before the common people. I hope that the issues that have been a bone of contention among the political parties are finally left for the common Nepali people to solve, either through referendum or the constituent assembly.

Furthermore, the Maoists and the politicians should understand that abolishing monarchy

doesn’t guarantee democracy. I trust that the politicians will finally be able to find a lasting solution and bring an end to the political deadlock in Nepal.

Luz Futten, Spain

Short of fuel

It is surprising that even after the recent hikes in prices, petro-products are in short supply. There is no denying that the shortage is a direct result of government’s failure to have a clear-cut policy on the production and distribution of indispensable items like cooking fuel and other commodities of daily consumption.

The government needs to create strong mechanisms to check irregularities within the

system. It should also consider making investments in producing renewable energy as an

alternative to petroleum products.

Khem Poudel, via e-mail