Unjustifiable demands

The Maoists’ unreasonable demands strengthen the common belief that, after all, the king had sized them up right in not believing in a “peaceful solution”. Even if the monarchy is thrown out and announcement of the republic made, there is no guarantee that Maoists will start behaving in a democratic manner. The other political parties should consider this prospect and decide their next move. Their promise to the people was to mainstream the ‘Maoists’, not ‘Maoism’.

The SPA has given up more than enough to provide the Maoists a safe-landing. Making ‘transition’ successful should receive high priority. But this does not mean the other political parties should give the Maoists everything they demand. Peace process should be based on justice. Let the Maoists leave the parliament if they want.

Satyajeet Nepali, Gaushala, Kathmandu

Corruption

The history of corruption control in Nepal is such that the lawmakers encourage the corrupt through weak laws and blatant misuse of power. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and the National Vigilance Centre are as good as non-existent. The Special Court has also given clean chits to corrupt politicians. The foreign-aided good governance projects are no more than an eye-wash. The media and civil society, which could have played a powerful role in discouraging the corrupt, are indifferent. As a result, corruption is flourishing while common people are facing hardship. This state of affairs does not bode well for Nepal and Nepalis.

Ramesh B Shrestha, Lalitpur

Tragic

This is in reference to the news report “Leopard mauls 5 in Maligaun” (THT, Oct. 24). This is not the first time wild animals have terrorised people in the Kathmandu Valley. Most of the incidents have turned tragic, leading either to the loss of human lives or of wild animals. It is because of the inexperienced zoo staff that the leopard, in this instance, had to be killed. Leopards are one of the endangered species and it is our duty to protect them. I hope the authorities will take steps to ensure that such unfortunate incidents do not happen in the future.

Subash Dahal, via e-mail

Time ripe

This refers to the news report “Dalai Lama basks in glory of US award” (THT, Oct. 19). People across the world heard the Dalai Lama during his speech following the bestowal of the

Congressional Gold Medal on him. The spiritual leader reiterated that he has no hidden agenda behind his struggle for meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people under the

constitution of the People’s Republic of China. However, China’s leadership remains suspicious of his vision of a democratic and autonomous Tibet. It must have been a big blow to China’s leadership when American president Bush, handing over the award to the spiritual leader, stated that the US would not close its eyes to the plight of the Tibetan people. President Bush has also urged the Chinese leaders to welcome the Dalai Lama to China for peace and reconciliation, an opportunity that China should not miss.

Nyima Gyalpo, Kathmandu