Give them their due

Although I agree with Abijit Sharma’s letter “Deplorable” (THT, May 29), to the effect that pelting of stones by Young Communist League cadres at a vehicle ferrying US ambassador James F Moriarty was an irresponsible act, I disagree with some of his other views.

I do not believe that the Maoists have not changed their behaviour after joining mainstream politics. A minor incident like this cannot form a reliable basis to judge the overall credibility of the Maoists, or even that of the YCL. Indeed, many of YCL activities can be looked upon in a positive light. They have been involved in cleaning up the capital city, controlling social crimes and checking smuggling.

The YCL also played a crucial role in getting at the bottom of the leak of the SLC question papers. Let us give them their due. Regarding Moriarty’s claim that the Maoists have not mended their errant ways, has the US itself done anything positive to ease the transition of the Maoists into a mainstream political party? How are we to interpret denying of US visa to Suresh Ale Magar?

The Maoists are far better than the so-called ‘legitimate’ political parties whose leaders make merry at parties organised by bank defaulters and cry hoarse about corruption in the House when they themselves are utterly corrupt.

Prabesh Dhakal, Kalanki

City crimes

Some months back, the number of crimes, especially robberies, had skyrocketed in the Kathmandu Valley. In recent days, things seem to have improved a bit.

I believe regular patrols of the new Metropolitan Police have played an important part in this.

But a lot remains to be done. Just the other day, a businessman was robbed in broad daylight. It would be wise to increase patrols in areas where crime rates are still high. Common people too should help make the city safer by cooperating with the police force.

Abijit Sharma, Dhapasi

Unsafe

One of my friends was pick-pocketed in a bus en route to Sundhara from Kalimati. When he boarded the bus, it was not full. But soon a group of people rushed in immediately afterward.

They crowded the bus and made it difficult for my friend to get off at his destination. When he finally got down, he realised that all his money was gone.

That these organised pickpockets are usually armed make them even more dangerous. It would be much safer therefore not to carry big sums of money and wear expensive jewellry while travelling in public vehicles.

Manoj Kumar Poudel, Maharajgunj

Risky project

I have heard some people comment that there is no alternative to Melamchi. I find this proposition hard to accept.

Building a dam at the Chovar gorge and embankment of Manahara, Bagmati and Bisnumati rivers could store enough rain-water to serve the needs of all Valley residents. This will also help increase the Valley’s water table. Wouldn’t this be a much better alternative than constructing a 28-km tunnel through the mountains in a region prone to earthquakes? Such projects are not only risky but also very expensive.

Ravi Manandhar, via e-mail