Where are they?

The case of Maina Sunuwar whose body was recently exhumed from the Birendra Army Training Centre at Panchkhal throws new light on the behaviour of the security forces during the decade-long insurgency. During the period, the security forces either killed many innocent people or were responsible for their disappearances by accusing them of being Maoists. Till date, the whereabouts of over 800 people who disappeared are still unknown. Democratic parties said that the culture of impunity reigned in the absence of democracy. But even now, where is the accountability?

Bal Krishna Ghimire, Arghakhanchi

Export woes:

Nepal’s imports have outpaced exports basically because the share of agricultural products in the GDP has declined. Hence the proportion of exports in the national economy must be increased in coming years. And agricultural and manufactured goods should play a big role.

Suman Kumar Regmi, Kupondol

Pipe dream:

Although the Maoists and other communist leaders are optimistic that the CA polls will be held in mid-June, given the political disturbances, it seems virtually impossible. The Tarai has been engulfed in violence, as the government is unable to ensure peace and security; the electoral districts have not been delineated yet; and more importantly, the interim government has not been formed so far. In this climate, how will it be possible to hold elections in only two and a half months?

Shiva Neupane and Upasana Dhal, RR Campus

Lame excuse:

The delay in formation of interim government is likely to make the CA polls in mid-June impossible. But the government, especially the Nepali Congress, has not shown any willingness to hold the polls on time. The minor mistakes of the Maoists should not be made a political issue in order to delay the elections. If the Maoists act against the wishes of the people, it is they who will suffer in elections.

Amar Akinchan, Gulmi

Wrong focus:

It is wrong on the part of the Maoist leaders to blame the King or the SPA for the country’s mess, when they themselves have not improved their conduct. And the only ones who suffer by their actions are the common people. But why is the media highlighting them? Long lines at the petrol-pumps and the rising prices of daily commodities are of more concern to the people than petty squabbling of politicians. The media should focus more on the daily problems of the people than on the news of petty quarrels of politicians.

Samjhauta Kharel, Bagbazaar

Going down:

Climbing up is difficult while going down is easy. This is aptly illustrated by the deteriorating image of Maoist chairman Prachanda. His image as one of the charismatic revolutionary leaders has been changed into that of just any other politician.

Akash Sharma, via e-mail