Old wine in new bottle

The government seems to be using the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in the same way as the royal regime had used the Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) to punish political opponents.

Charges will be brought only against those politicians loyal to the palace and those responsible for embezzling public funds but probably not against people who were responsible for the killing of 21 people during Jana Andolan II and the violators of human rights. The eight-party alliance has not done anything concrete to end the climate of impunity and disrespect for human rights so characteristic of past regimes. This way the building of a new Nepal will be extremely difficult and may well prove to be old wine in a new bottle.

Kalpana Adhikari, Bansbari

Unjustified

The hue and cry over the statements of Brigadier General Dilip Shumshere JBR in Pokhara last week is unjustified. Every Nepali citizen has the right to express his or her opinion in public. This right cannot be taken away from a citizen just because he happens to be a high-ranking army official.

Are the politicians miffed at Rana because he talked about bad governance and corruption in bureaucracy? Besides, in every institution, including the army, senior officials guide their juniors. This is nothing new.

Shanti Nepal, via e-mail

Talk now

The government made the right move through the PM’s second address to the nation by pledging to resolve the Madhesi issues. Now, the government should hold talks with factions like JTMM and MJF at the earliest as they too have other grievances. A delay in talks might give regressive forces an opportunity to destablise the country, paving the way for an autocratic rule.

Amit Singh Ganguly, via e-mail

Be on guard

Chaos and confusion is rife even after the April revolution, with the country witnessing shortages of petro-products and commodities. It appears that regressive elements have

become active and are trying to sabotage the achievements of the Jana Andolan II. All people should become united to remain vigilant against these forces. The government, on its part, should provide good governance and take necessary measures against these unscrupulous

elements.

Sulabh Bansal, Balkhu

Homeless

The problem of homeless people has received little attention from the government. These people are also finding it difficult to meet their other basic needs such as food and clothing. Moreover, they face discrimination from other residents of the area they live in. The crime rate is on the rise in such settlements.

Deprived of quality education, health, sanitation and employment opportunities, these people languish in poverty, squalor and disease and their youth are likely to take to crime. Only joint efforts of the government, the public, NGOs and INGOs can help improve their conditions and bring them into the mainstream society. A good housing policy is required to resettle these homeless people or squatters.

Sujeena Shakya, Himalayan White House College