Ceasefire pact a must :

The UN Secretary General’s personal envoy, Ian Martin, has highlighted the importance of a ceasefire agreement between the government and the Maoists before the constituent

assembly polls. A referendum can also be held on the same day on the fate of the monarchy and the establishment of a secular state.

A ceasefire accord is a must for the peace process to gather momentum. The prospects will be even brighter if the Maoists make a formal declaration of peace and make a

commitment to non-violence, rule of law, multi-party parliamentary democracy, judicial

supremacy, political, economic, social, religious and press freedoms, and human and consumer rights. The international community can make the two sides agree to the

immediate formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission - at the central, regional levels, as well as in major conflict-hit districts - for the sustenance of peace following the

CA elections.

Madhukar SJB Rana, Jawalakhel

Strange :

I find it strange that the Prime Minister Koirala is insisting on giving the King a ceremonial role, despite the fact that the royal family has not yet declared its assets. The PM should

focus on better things, including the re-unification of the two Congresses.

Ishwari Pradhan, via e-mail

Win hearts :

We hear the news of Maoist extortion, abduction and violence almost every day. Yet the CPN-Maoist, I believe, is the only party that has a clear-cut vision and agenda to solve the nation’s complex problems.

Therefore, the party must mend its ways to vindicate people like me who have pinned hopes

for the country’s betterment on them. As the day for the CA polls nears, the rebels have to win the popular mandate to realise the dream of a republic. If they do not stop the above-mentioned activities, people may start shunning their ideology. The general public wants peace, not endless political turmoil.

Dinesh Bhattarai,

via e-mail

Free rein :

US ambassador James F Moriarty, instead of working within the confines of his office, is

visiting sensitive sites across the nation.

How can he be allowed to do this? He continues to air his views on sensitive political issues freely. He has already made his intentions clear by tacitly backing the King’s autocratic moves.

He also seems to be provoking the Maoists to take up arms again and is looking for a broader role in the region. The government’s silence on Moriarty’s activities is equally loathsome.

Dinesh Dharel,

Maharajgunj

Resistance :

It’s heartening to see pockets of resistance developing, slowing but surely, to counter the Maoists’ continuing atrocities.

Their belief that they can spread their outdated ideology through the barrel of the gun will

culminate in the party’s ultimate demise. The Nepalis are peace-loving people. To isconstrue

this as “cowardice” will be the biggest folly.

Pukaar Jung, via e-mail