Same old tactic

The postponement of Nepal-Bhutan talks scheduled for November 12-13 on the grounds of Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuk’s birthday reflects the policy of the Bhutanese government. Ever since he became king, the Bhutanese have had to live under his monolithic regime. The decree of the palace becomes the law of the land and Bhutanese are exploited in the name of national interest. There is no doubt that the multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic Bhutan has now turned into a feudal state.

At such a time, the US has offered to resettle 60,000 of the people languishing in the refugee camps in eastern Nepal. The refugees should be given alternatives — either to go back to Bhutan or to accept the American offer. But the refugees cannot, at this point in time, remain assured that they would be given the status of legitimate American citizens. Perhaps they might not be sent to Bhutan again.

Yuva Raj Baral, Birtamod, Jhapa

Hand in hand

Although much talk has focused on decommissioning the arms of the Maoists, we should also not forget their social contribution. They have proved that they are capable of not only using firearms but also contributing to the country’s development.

The Maoist-organised sanitation programmes, for instance, have been highly successful. Government leaders should take a leaf out of the Maoists’ book and involve themselves in nation building . The Maoists’ aim to win the hearts and minds of the people by fostering esprit de corps among Nepalis is laudable. So it would be best for the country if the SPA and the Maoists could work hand in hand.

Gita Pandey, Saraswati Campus

Health risk

While the streets of the capital are clogged with too many vehicles, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has not been able to clear the garbage the city generates. Near the Shivamandir temple in Gongabu, heaps of garbage are lying about, emitting a nauseating smell. Houseflies can easily be seen contaminating food at the eateries in the vicinity. This poses a serious health risk. There is an urgent need to look into the problem at the earliest to prevent the possibility of an epidemic.

Kashiram Panday, Kathmandu

Discount

Though the government has declared a 33 per cent discount for students travelling in public buses and microbuses, most operators are reluctant to give the facility. Even some of those who give, don’t give a full 33 per cent discount. Action should be taken against these unscrupulous transport operators.

Shiva Neupane, Priya Khanal, via e-mail

Maoist arms

In the news story “Dev Gurung flays 7-party front” (THT, Oct. 31), the Maoist leader emphasises the need for the Nepali Army to lay down their arms. He should not forget that the Nepali Army is a legitimate government force and cannot therefore be expected to surrender arms at the call of his party. Instead, it is the Maoists, who are running an illegitimate parallel army, should unconditionally say a farewell to arms.

Deepak Gurung, via e-mail