Insecure refugees

The Bhutanese refugees continue to live in dismal conditions in eastern Nepal. Still, the Bhutanese government seems unwilling to solve the problem. There have been reports of abduction and persecution of the members of the Bhutan People’s Party from the refugee camps. The refugees feel insecure and many of them have started to leave the camps. But the fight of the Bhutanese refugees for constitutional monarchy and equal rights for the Lotsampas in southern Bhutan will not stop.

Roshan Sharma, Khudunabari, Jhapa

Foreign role

US ambassador James F Moriarty is right to insist that the Maoists completely stop their violent activities and abide by their commitments, including respect for human rights. They should also promptly return the property they had seized during their ‘People’s War’ to the owners.

Too much external interference in Nepal’s internal matters is wrong, but foreign friends can do so to a limited extent and for a good cause. In this globalised world, Nepal needs international support for the establishment of peace and democracy.

Nishesh Dhungana, Kathmandu

High hopes

The general people’s expectations have increased with the formation of the interim government, which includes the Maoists. The people expect a more accountable and people-oriented goverment. This will be a true test of the Maoists. The government will have to do a lot of hard work and self-complacency will be dangerous.

Prakash Sparsha, Jhiljhile,Jhapa

Inexplicable

Khadga Biswakarma has been appointed Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare in the interim government. I cannot understand why a man should be given the responsibility of looking after women’s affairs. In the past, men proved totally incapable of dealing with the problems of women. This kind of appointment will not help build a truly inclusive New Nepal.

Bal Krishna Ghimire, Arghakhanchi

Baseless

This is in reference to Ganga L Pradhan’s letter “Respect people’s will” (THT, April 2). Pradhan claims that 90% of the Nepalis want a republican setup. I wonder where he is getting his facts from. Only a referendum could provide the data as to what percentage of the Nepali people want a republican order. In my opinion, a third Jana Andolan is necessary to fight against the lies and propaganda which the Nepali public has had to face for too long — from the religious lies which made kings demigods to the unrealistic promises being made by communists.

Arun S Rana, via e-mail

Great shame

India and Pakistan bowed out in the first round of the World Cup, and now the West Indies have shown signs of doing so in the second round. With the exit of the West Indies, the West Indian fans may stay out of the stadiums. It will be a great shame if the semi-finals and finals of the most important cricket tournament are played in empty stadiums.

Sushil Pyakurel, via e-mail