Misplaced priority

I agree with Apin Maharjan’s letter “It’s sad” (THT, July 13) regarding the mysterious

behaviour of PM Girija Prasad Koirala of late. Koirala always seems to have time for foreigners but when it comes to attending an important meeting of Nepalis, he invariably falls sick. As the head of government, Koirala has been given the great responsibility of steering the country through the difficult transition period by the eight parties. It is high time he realised the magnitude of this duty. Good advice of our foreign friends is always

welcome, but it does not mean that we have to comply with everything theytell us to do.

Vimal Thapa, Kathmandu

Like a politico

I am glad that James F Moriarty has left the country for good. During his tenure in Nepal, he acted more like a politician by interfering in purely domestic affairs of Nepal. The Nepalis expect foreign diplomats to observe international diplomatic norms. That said, pelting of stones on the vehicle carrying him and the UNHCR representative in eastern Nepal cannot be

condoled. It is hoped the new ambassador designate, Nancy Powell, will respect international diplomatic norms during her tenure in Nepal. US-Nepal ties should be based not only on US aid to Nepal but also on equality of relations in which non-interference in each other’s internal affairs should be an important principle.

Aamir Akhtar, via e-mail

Lawless

I would like to draw your attention to an incident at Ratna Park on July 7 when a group of YCL cadres descended upon a gathering that was on its way to greet the King on his 61st birthday. Following the attack, a number of people were injured and they are now

being treated at various hospitals, few of them with severe injuries. Among those injured were workers of my party, including a lady who suffered leg fracture and Buddhist monks. Such acts of outrage have become all too frequent in recent times. I have myself on several

occasions written to the organisations concerned and allied agencies to draw their attention to such atrocities of the Maoists. These are cases of blatant violation of civil liberties and fundamental human rights. Furthermore, the frequency of such acts exposes the failure of the government to uphold the rule of law and protect civil liberties.

Exclusion from political participation radicalises moderates and even the commoners. Once this happens, violence becomes legitimised. The only peaceful resolution of the present crisis is to abandon the government’s policy of discrimination and denial which has proved so divisive that the country is now headed towards a civil war and disintegration. Unless all the constituents find a place in national polity, this crisis cannot be tackled. We only hope that those in power read the writings on the wall and do the needful before it is too late.

Rabindra Nath Sharma, President, Rastriya

Prajatantra Party Nepal

Clarification

This refers to the news report “Lame, tame, dud end to Royal bash” (THT, July 9), which mentions my name among the media persons attending King’s birthday gathering. I was present to fulfil my professional duty as a journalist and not for any other purpose as your report implied.

Laxman Upreti, NHK,

Kathmandu