Thailand and Nepal

In reference to Thai Ambassador Vanvisa Thamrongnavasawat’s letter on “Change in Thailand” (THT, Oct. 6) arguing that “democratic reform process could not take place properly under the previous caretaker government,” recent Nepali experience has shown that the price of such a takeover can be very high and destabilising if reforms cannot be instituted to meet the people’s expectations.

The challenge for the new rulers has to be more democratic than elected representatives themselves, who, having to fight elections amidst the largely poor and illiterate voters (in Nepal), have found themselves in a rut of corruption and patronage politics in which money has emerged as the major player. The reforms, therefore, should be aimed at buttressing the institutions of democracy, which will, in turn, force the elected politicians to be more accountable to the people and mindful of the larger interest of the nation.

Bihari Krishna Shrestha, Green Block, Patan

Tibet deaths

This refers to the news report “Chinese border security ‘shoot’ two Tibetan refugees dead” (THT, Oct. 6). Although only two deaths were cited in the official report, the shooting incident at Nagpa La pass on Tibet border has left as many as seven dead.

The group of around 70 had been forced to leave for India, as they could not practise their religion in Tibet. According to The Free Tibet Movement, around 2,500 Tibetan refugees flee from Tibet annually to northern India. The government and the UNHCR should investigate this matter at the earliest. If this incident is allowed to pass without further inquiry, it may increase the tendency to repeat such incidents in the future. The standard of living of Tibetan refugees in Nepal is deteriorating steadily. The international community should also take seriously the previous government’s decision to close down the Dalai Lama’s office in Kathmandu and the handover of 18 innocent Tibetans to China.

Nyima Gyalpo, Kathmandu

Neglected

The Nepal government has always treated ex-Gurkha soldiers as second class citizens and never seriously considered putting their skills to good use. Moreover, government officials used to extort money from them on spurious grounds.

I hope the Nepalis realise the contribution of the ex-Gurkhas to uplift the country’s economy. In the past, all ex-Gurkhas stayed in Nepal. But now, with the relaxation of British immigration rules, many are leaving for the UK. Not all ex-Gurkhas want to leave, but the government’s neglect has forced them to do so.

The restoration of democracy has not changed the situation. If the present trend continues, more NRNs will choose to invest elsewhere. It is in the interest of Nepal to attract the NRNs and ex-Gurhas to help resolve its pressing economic problems.

The government should make tough laws on corruption and put in place an effective system of checks and balances. Without such reforms, the country would slide further into poverty.

Dharma R Gurung, via e-mail

Peace

After nearly a decade, Nepalis were able to celebrate Dashain sans fear. Let’s pray for the success of the ongoing peace talks.

Arjun Sapkota, via e-mail