Winning hearts:

Lok Raj Baral’s article “Parties and perils” (THT, January 22) gives the impression that he is a pessimist. Though he mentions constraints like the distorted panoramic view of Nepali democratic politics, he fails to spell out the specifics. The increasing role of communists in the country seems to have intimidated Baral. The NC got the opportunity to fulfil the people’s aspirations more than once after the 1990 Jana Andolan. But when the party failed in this task, the people gave other parties a chance. But the failure of successive governments led to a decline in popular support for them. It is strange that the NC remains ambivalent on the issue of monarchy when most Nepalis clearly want a republic. The NC should understand that its indecision will make the people more suspicious of its democratic credentials. Neither the SPA nor the Maoists should be in doubt that the people did not spill on to streets in support of them. Though the Maoist agenda was good, their violent means had alienated many people. The parliamentary political parties were no better in terms of their poor performance while in power. Millions of people came out on the streets to safeguard their fundamental rights and to pave the way for a New Nepal. While the country is passing through a transitional phase, objectionable statements by some foreign diplomats will not help build a New Nepal. Though, for instance, United States ambassador James F Moriarty has no right to speak on Nepal’s internal affairs, he continues to violate diplomatic norms openly. Given the circumstances, the political parties should stop wrangling over petty matters.

Kamal Poudel, via e-mail

Baseless:

I am a resident of Lahan and not associated with any political party. But the insinuation coming from some quarters that the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (MJF) has some kind of link with the palace is ridiculous. Everybody here knows this.

Suresh K Yadav, via e-mail

DV victims:

Whenever I come out of my college, I can see a group of DV victims assembled outside the American embassy in bitter cold. They are now on a relay hunger strike. They deserve sympathy. In applying for a US visa, they have wasted a lot of money. The US visa policy of late has been dubious. The student visa, in particular, should be merit-based and not be doled out according to the whims of duty officers. Similar criteria should be applied to the DV lottery winners.

Nirakash Shrestha, NCCS College, Paknajol

Earthquake:

Experts have raised the possibility of a big earthquake striking the Kathmandu Valley in the near future and they are coming up with estimates of the damage it will cause. The government should consult experts and make an effective plan to deal with the disaster if it strikes. For instance, it could help collect some money for the programme which aims at predicting earthquakes from the behaviour of snakes. The media could contribute by disseminating safey measures.

Shiva Neupane, Golfutar