Question of intent

Apropos of the news report “Finance Minister denounces UNMIN for laxity” (THT, August 18), UNMIN seems to be deliberately delaying the second round verification process of PLA combatants. Not long ago, UNMIN chief Ian Martin said that his organisation would not stop its work even if the CA polls were delayed yet again. One can sniff some funny business going on within UNMIN. The UN body’s job should be to make sure that conditions are right for holding free and fair CA polls on the stipulated date. But by hinting that UNMIN would continue its work even if the elections were put off, isn’t it indirectly strengthening the hand of those who say the CA polls cannot take place or who are against the polls. Many people think that UNMIN is more concerned about prolonging its tenure in Nepal in order to keep feeding its staff with lavish salaries and benefits than about bringing the fragile peace process in Nepal to a successful conclusion.

Sudarshan Gaire, Dhobidhara

Relief

It is a big relief to see THT back in circulation. For the readers used to starting their day scanning the pages of THT, the five-day disruption in its publication and distribution was a big disappointment. I hope all outstanding issues between APCA management and labourers are settled once and for all and no disruption takes place in the future again. Both the sides should recognise the fact that under no circumstances can the people’s right to information be denied.

Srijana Dhungel, via e-mail

Talk to them

The news report “JTMM cadres killed by villagers” (THT, August 18) regarding the lynching of two JTMM-Jawla Singh cadres in Parsa by Badnihar locals retaliating against the shooting of Mahendra Tamang, a school headmaster, is another example of a dangerous trend taking roots in many parts of the Tarai. Sectarian violence is rising even as the country nears the November elections. If violence continues, what impact will it have on the polls? And how creditable will elections held in such an environment be? The government should leave no stone unturned in trying to bring the dissenting Tarai groups to the talks table.

Hritesh Subba, via e-mail

Hopeless

There seems to be no end in sight to the garbage problem in Kathmandu. The private garbage collectors remain adamant about not collecting waste from individual homes as long as their demands are not met by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). The KMC too is in no mood to give in to the unreasonable demands of the private garbage management companies. As if that were not enough, the Sisdole dumping site locals have now barred the vehicles ferrying waste from Kathmandu entering the area. How will the problem be solved when no one is willing to make any compromise?

The success of Jana Andolan II seems to have given some people the impression that with the advent of ‘Loktantra’, all their problems would be resolved immediately. As that has not happened, people have felt cheated. In the meantime, the unity witnessed during the April uprising is crumbling as factionalism takes hold all over the country.

Satish Shahi, Tinkune