Foreign service

K K Joshi has raised a timely and pertinent question through his letter “Nepali diplomacy” (THT, Sept. 24). I agree with the author that no career diplomat has ever made an outstanding mark in Nepali diplomacy.

However, I would also like to point out that Foreign Service has never in its truer sense been put in place in the past with intent to produce good diplomats. Consequently, this branch of civil service has remained in a poor shape.

Political tampering along with personal favouritism has stifled the growth of Foreign Service in Nepal ever since its inception. The present interim government too has followed suit by making political appointment of ambassadors with little diplomatic exposure and knowledge. This is indeed lamentable. Had the government appointed new talents, it would have

deserved praise. Instead, it selected party cadres to promote the political parties’ interests. Will this practice serve the integrated national purpose of meeting urgent societal needs? Meanwhile, the need of a well-oiled Foreign Service should always be high on the agenda of the government if successful diplomats are to be produced.

Madhav Shrestha,

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Misquoted

This refers to the news report “Kapilvastu violence a setback for credible polls: Bennett” (THT, Sept. 22). The article misquotes the statement that OHCHR-Nepal distributed at a press conference on Friday, September 21. The statement actually reads as below: “Violence in the Tarai and the lack of appropriate response from security forces in many cases, along with the readiness of many armed groups to use violence and intimidation has highlighted the

question: Can an environment conducive to free and fair elections be created?”

Marty Logan, Spokesperson, OHCHR-Nepal

Drug abuse

This refers to the editorial “Kicking a Habit” (THT, Sept. 24). In fact, the government, in addition to cracking down on drug traffickers, should also strictly ban the indiscreet use of addictive drugs.

Moreover, pharmacists should dispense drugs only as prescribed by physicians or medical practitioners. Pharmacists should also note that such prescriptions are valid only for a certain duration. These steps would help curb drug abuse.

Dr. Sital Kaji Shrestha, India

Pretence

Apropos of the news report “Steps to contain violence taken, says Sitaula” (THT, Sept. 22), it is ostentatious of the Home Minister to deploy security personnel in Kapilvastu, especially at this late hour when the violence has already taken dozens of lives. If the securitymen had been alert before the violence or just with the first signs of it, Sitaula would have received all the praise. But to act at this late hour wouldn’t serve any purpose.

Radhe Rai, via e-mail

Power cut

Parts of northern India are inundated due to floods in Nepali rivers during rainy season. It would be a good idea for India to help Nepal build dams in order to establish hydropower plants, while Nepal could provide excess water for irrigation in India.

Manit Deokota, Ratopul