Farcical behaviour

Kudos to Aditya Man Shrestha for his very perceptive article “Transition period” (THT, Oct. 26). What is, however, disappointing is that he stops short of explaining why all these post-Jana Andolan II leaders remain ceremonial, even as the Rayamajhi Commission doggedly pursues the alleged suppressors of the people’s movement.

Even the “de facto power wielders”, the Maoists, are having tough time dealing with the excesses of their cadres. When people oppose their actions, the Maoists are swift to issue apologies. Isn’t this a shade too farcical?

Bihari Krishna Shrestha, Green Block, Patan

Cash crunch

With reference to the report “Kartik Naach facing shortage of funds” (THT, Oct. 27), it can easily be said that this gross neglect of Patan’s age-old dance tradition is a reflection of our indifference to our culture.

Ironically, the country generates a considerable amount of foreign exchange every year because of its rich culture. The tourism industry, for example, feeds on Kathmandu’s cultural heritage. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) collects service fees from tourists, the

municipalities charge for access to historical monuments like Durbar Square, and travel agencies profit by organising tours.

But how much of this money is being used for conserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the country? The organisers of Patan’s Kartik Naach will be justified in seeking financial help from the Lalitpur Municipality and the NTB.

Bhai Kaji, Kathmandu

Insecurity

The fact that Maoist excesses like torture, extortion and abductions continue unabated means that the government has been unable to provide minimum security to the general people. This has exposed the incompetence of the government, particularly that of the home ministry.

Though the Maoists themselves are responsible for most violent acts, they continue to complain about the lack of law and order. The Maoists are taking full advantage of the transition period. But it is not surprising that the two sides have not yet been able to reach an agreement despite their several rounds of summit talks. The Maoists should remember that Rome was not built in a day. Both sides should seek a meaningful solution rather than engage in petty oneupmanship.

Shashi Dhungel, USA

Impressive

THT’s online edition is impressive. The day’s newspaper is usually on the website in the first hour after midnight, i.e. 1:00 a.m. Kathmandu time, and one can read it as early as 5:45 a.m. in London. When in Nepal, I used to get a fresh copy of THT every morning. I want to get a hard copy here as well. If all the pages are combined in one PDF file, Nepalis all over the world can download it easily and read it at leisure. If this is not possible, is there a way of shipping fresh THT copies to the Nepalis in the UK?

Jay, via e-mail

Give more

THT should incorporate more write-ups on Nepali festivals as many of its readers do not know much about our culture. Greater coverage of cultural events will promote understanding and tolerance in our multicultural society.

Rabi, via e-mail