Transition period:

A year has passed since the establishment of ‘Loktantra’ after 19 days of nationwide protests, ending on Baisakh 11, 2063, when King Gyanendra finally had no option but to hand back power to the people. After the historic event, the Nepalis had hoped for sea change in the Nepali polity, which has obviously not yet materialised. Rather, it seems as if things are worse than they were before. The need to crack down on corruption remains, and abductions and extortions by various groups have not completely stopped. The Tarai unrest continues and the Interim Government (IG) has yet to satisfy the various disgruntled groups such as ethnic organisations and several Madhesi factions. The Maoists, who gave Nepalis the dream of transforming Nepal into a Switzerland, have not inspired public confidence in this regard, either.

Taking advantage of this fluid situation, monarchists in various guises are mounting a comeback.

Pro-palace parties have already registered with the Election Commission. It seem they are trying to foil the upcoming CA polls, which will decide the fate of the monarchy. The democratic forces need to be vigilant and work towards making Nepal a republic through the CA polls.

Asish Wagle, Sharmila Subedi and Ashim Poudel, New Road, Pokhara

Welcome :

The news report “Forestry most corrupt sector: Yadav” (THT, April 23), where Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation Matrika Prsad Yadav has pointed out the failings of his own ministry was refreshing. Perhaps this is the first incident of its kind. Such public admission by political leaders, particularly those in the cabinet, should be praised. This should be taken as a first step towards eradication of corruption in the public sector. If all ministers and political leaders have the same courage to tell the truth, it would go a long way towards building a new Nepal. But such admissions should be matched with concrete actions if they are to do any good for the country. It remains to be seen how the new ministers, especially the Maoists, will utilise the golden opportunity for the country’s transformation.

Suman Raj Sharma, Kathmandu

Weak law:

Article 151 of the Interim Constitution clearly states that the cabinet of ministers may fully pardon, suspend, change or decrease the sentence handed down by any kind of court. This means the anti-disappearance draft law prepared by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs does not amount to much. In the first place, the anti-disappearance law is very weak. It only gives discretionary powers to greedy judges. If the interim parliament is serious about taking action, it should make laws to confiscate the property of the perpetrators of disappearances and distribute it among the victims’ families. It is equally important to punish corrupt judges and officials.

Ravi Manandhar, Kathmandu

Miles ahead:

Saturday’s defeat of New Zealand to Australia by a massive 215 run margin indicates how superior the Aussies are. These two teams, according to many pundits, are likely to meet in the World Cup final. If that happens, I hope the contest will be more competitive.

Sabin Thapa, via e-mail