Question of intent

Apropos of the news report “Pacts in peril, new front in the offing” (THT, Sept 12), the government’s failure on all fronts is aptly illustrated by the Maoist decision to ‘break’ all agreements with the seven party alliance. The Maoists have threatened to withdraw from the interim government in order to launch a peaceful agitation and ensure conducive atmosphere for CA polls.

However, it appears beyond the comprehension of common Nepalis how this ‘sacrifice’ would enhance the prospects of CA polls.

Evidently, as the rift between the SPA and the Maoists widens, the likelihood of regressive elements disrupting CA polls has only become stronger. Hence, while the SPA deserves some blame, Maoists’ obstinate stance has given enough room for suspicions that they too might not want the elections held on the stipulated date.

Manit Deokota, Ratopul

No choice

This refers to the news report “Polls won’t take off for want of aviation fuel, warns NOC” (THT, Sept 12). There has been an acute shortage of petroleum products in the capital for over a year. It is understandable that the government is in no position to subsidise petroleum products as Nepal Oil Corporation incurred a loss of Rs 250 million in the last year alone. Moreover, the price of petroleum products in the international market has risen to a historic high of $80 a barrel. As stated by the spokesperson for NOC, Iccha Bikram Thapa, if the crisis continues, it will directly affect CA polls as the government will not be able to ferry ballot boxes or security personnel between district headquarters and remote areas. The only way to ensure a smooth supply of fuel during the polls is either to lend money to NOC or raise fuel prices. There just is no other way out.

Swekchya Dahal, Sukkhedhara, Kathmandu

Uncivilised

This is in reference to the letter “Indecent” (THT, Sept 11). The photograph showing policemen forcing a Badi woman into a standing vehicle with their hands indecently placed on her sensitive parts is a burning example of sexual harassment that many women have been living with in our society. It has to be understood that Badi women who have endured years of pain and torture have come a long way to make their voices heard.

Ankita Guragain, via e-mail

Caste no bar

I strongly support the decision of Surya Sauden Limbu and Sita Pariyar to get married even in the face of strong opposition from the bridegroom’s family, “Visually impaired teenager disowned for marrying a Dalit” (THT, Sept 11). The visually impaired duo, now happily married, have not only shown that caste is no bar for true love but also that caste hierarchy is irrelevant in today’s society. In fact, caste hierarchy is a sign of social backwardness.

Unnati Upadhyaya, Kathmandu

Mistake

I would like to point out a mistake in the news report “Pacts in peril, new front in the offing: Ananta” (THT, Sept 12). The second last paragraph of the report, paraphrasing CPN-UML’s Jhalanath Khanal, reports “He urged Prime Minister Girija Prasad Khanal to immediately call...”

RP Awasthi, via e-mail