Not learning from history:

Aditya Man Shrestha’s article “Opportunity for Koirala” (THT, Aug 1) makes one wonder if the Nepali Congress (NC) will ever learn from history. The NC rushed to assume power following the 1950-51 revolution. Against the better advice of communist leaders who wanted a republic, BP Koirala opted for a constitutional monarchy according to the controversial ‘Delhi Compromise’ engineered by Pandit Nehru. Later, BP went on to claim that he was attached to the King as the neck is to the head. The then King rewarded him by splitting the NC, choosing minority leaders like Matrika Prasad Koirala, KI Singh, Tanka Prasad Acharya as prime ministers and reneging on his pledge to hold elections to the constituent assembly. King Mahendra did the same thing by imprisoning and exiling BP. King Birendra and King Gyanendra were no different. Having suffered so much at the hands of the monarchs, Girija Prasad Koirala still wants to retain ‘ceremonial monarchy’ at any cost. Contrary to the spirit of Jana Andolan II, he seems bent on imposing this on the Nepalis by any means. Otherwise, the recent decision by the parliament regarding succession to the throne would not have been taken. Before the last days of his life are over, Koirala perhaps wants to do the present king a favour even at the risk of pushing the war-weary country to another revolution. The very survival of the NC is in danger unless progressives like Narahari Acharya and Gagan Thapa can prevail and prevent the errors of 1951.

Ramesh Khatry, Arubari

Stop the war:

Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants have been fighting for over two weeks. This has esulted in a huge loss of life and property. The UN needs to convene an emergency meeting of the Security Council and take some concrete steps to stop the war. What the UN is doing now is too little.

Arjun Sapkota, Dhumbarahie

Honour him:

At a time when the country faces an uncertain future, the news of Dr Sandruk Ruit getting the Magsaysay award should make each Nepali proud. Ruit works with the zeal and stamina that would put other doctors to shame. A humanitarian at heart, he also visits the far-flung areas of Nepal and neighbouring countries to provide his services to the poor. Oblivious of their Hippocratic oath, most doctors practise medicine only for the sake of money. It would be a nice gesture on the government’s part to do something memorable to recognise the great achievement of this hero.

Nawang Palden, via e-mail

Bad omen:

I don’t know what’s going on in the country right now. There have been clashes in the name of religion, rape cases have increased and the relations between the Army and policemen have soured. And why is Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala hell-bent on concealing the unpleasant acts of the King during the Jana Andolan II instead of removing him from power to make the transitional period trouble-free? I have been forced to give the Maoists the benefit of the doubt as to their reluctance to dismantle their army before the constituent assembly elections.

Niraj Shrestha, Biratnagar