Down the drain

Obviously, narcissism inspired the aid-related recommendations of a recent meeting of the so-called civil society organisations (CSOs), “CSOs against policy intervention, strings on aid” (THT, Nov. 3). To qualify as “leading development partners” (of donor agencies), most Nepali CSOs must improve their development performance and end their penchant for foreign junkets and other benefits.

Had the World Bank not laid down user management of forests as a conditionality for its Structural Adjustment Loan in the mid-80s, Nepal would have become a desert by now under the watch of our own politicians, bureaucrats and ‘civil’ organisations. Without good governance, debt forgiveness could be a recipe for continued misuse of foreign aid. Aid is

meaningful only when it is directly accessible to user organisations themselves.

Bihari Krishna Shrestha, Chakupat Green Block, Patan

Hypocritical

This refers to the news regarding merciless beating of some people in Kalikot, including children and elderly among them, for worshipping the goddess Kali during Dashain by Young Communist League cadres. Maoist chairman Prachanda has time and again expressed his commitment to safeguard people’s freedom of choice and their basic rights.

Similarly, he often speaks against the suppression of fundamental rights of the people during the King’s direct rule.

But it would give credence to his claims only if he stopped his cadres from beating innocent people for worshipping God. A political party which calls itself responsible should behave responsibly too.

Dipesh Dhakal, Kathmandu, Nepal

Suspicion

Maoist leaders have admitted that their local cadres kidnapped journalist Birendra Sah. Those directly responsible for his abduction have alledged that everything was done on the orders from ‘above’. The more the delay in making his whereabouts public, the more the suspicion mounts that he might no longer be alive.

How can the public trust the Maoists when they have not totally given up their old ways of violence and terror? Empty words are not enough. The Maoist leadership should prove their claims by deeds. They should punish their workers for such actions.

Dwaipayan Regmi, Biratnagar

Tibet rights

Apropos of the news report “Tibetans ‘fired upon’ by Chinese cops” (THT, Nov.1), all should condemn the act of the Chinese border People’s Armed Police (PAP) at Nangpala Pass on Oct. 18 earlier this year. After the infamous Nangpala incident last September, the Chinese authorities beefed up security measures and imposed restrictions on the border with Nepal to check Tibetan escapees.

The incident received global media attention and human rights violations in Tibet were highlighted. Since the Dalai Lama received United States congressional gold medal, the situation in Tibet has only got worse. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the Nepal government should take serious steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

Nyima Gyalpo, Kathmandu