Outdated aircraft :

This is in reference to the news “Seven hurt in Karnali Air chopper mishap” (THT, August 9). Such accidents will continue to take place as long as we allow old aircraft to fly. Opening up the skies does not mean that engines that have already completed their maximum flying hours should be imported into Nepal. If the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not take appropriate steps to curb this trend of importing such aircraft, we will see many more mishaps. Enough planes, proper maintenance, easy access to spare parts, good engineers, well-trained pilots and adequate financial resources are necessary to run an airline. Allowing airlines to operate with just one or two outdated aircraft is dangerous.

Rajesh Koirala, via e-mail

Self-serving :

The SPA government seems ever ready to throw in their lot with anyone who will serve their ends. I was shocked to hear that the Maoist attack at Thankot had the backing of the alliance. The Maoists, on the other hand, cannot discount the institution of monarchy, the future of which has not yet been decided. If they really want to gauge their popularity, I urge the rebels to come to the people after laying down their arms. Nepali pride has time and again been hurt by the activities of both the Maoists and the SPA. In this light, the best bet for the nation might still be the institution of monarchy.

S Dhital, via e-mail

Make peace :

This is in response to the news “Bhattarai blasts Koirala, ‘spills beans’” (THT, August 8). Dr Baburam Bhattarai’s tirade against PM Koirala hints at the possible breakdown of the ongoing peace negotiations. If the talks fail, the PM will have to bear most of the blame for his insistence on retaining the institution of monarchy. But the Maoists should not insist on keeping their arms. Unlike Koirala, who is hell-bent on preserving the King, Maoist leaders like Bhattarai should exhibit leadership skills in order to make peace talks successful.

Niraj Shrestha, Biratnagar

Add column :

THT should add a column to provide information about academic courses and educational institutions. It would help students chart their future. The students now have to rely on advertisements alone.

Chandan Das, via e-mail

Overcrowded :

With an increasing number of vendors selling their goods on the streets of Kathmandu, the pedestrians are facing trouble. The vendors have not spared overhead bridges as well. People are finding it difficult to negotiate the crowded pavements and overhead bridges because of the haphazard way such vendors are allowed to tout their wares. What is the Kathmandu Metropolitan City doing to remove them?

Pravin Rimal, via e-mail

Prize :

My opinion published in ‘Peoplespeak’ (THT, August 6) was edited mercilessly and, in the end, it bears little resemblance to my original message. To an aspiring writer like me, this was very discouraging. At the same time, I also suggest that THT introduce an award scheme to encourage sound opinions.

Ashok Gurung, Narayangarh