LETTERS

Wake up call

The recently concluded FSU elections and the results thereafter must have shaken the UCPN-M to the roots.

Indeed, they have been taught quite a few lessons such as: a non-performing government is more of a liability than an asset, even the seemingly populist programme like the

‘self-employment’ scheme was not helpful in view of the non-performance of the government.

Militancy and the war cry to win elections have cost them the vote of the silent majority,

intervention of top leaders and the continued row over 5% education service tax have made

the students wary of things that could come with the Maoists’ victory. Coercion does not always work. Hearts have to be won by sheer hard work for the benefit of the student body, for instance.

The Maoists cannot dismiss FSU results, because they were the ones who had raised the stakes by giving the war cry. This is a referendum on their performance so far. People are simply fed up with the unfulfilled commitments of the Prime Minister and the government’s failure to ensure peace, security and rule of law in the country.

Adarsha Tuladhar, via e-mail

Deplorable

This is in reference to the letter “Ignorant” (THT, March 23). It is a matter of concern that the student protesters sabotaged a tourist van in Tadi. Such acts will ruin the prestige and

image of Nepal.

The guilty must be punished. Similar stray incidents are serious matters, but they do not reflect the general trend. As a student in Australia, I have been abused by some citizens of the country. Does it mean that all Australians are racists? Absolutely not.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne, Australia.

Exemplary

I have seen many young people filling in their application forms through the internet for joining the “Self Employment Scheme” that provides skill training in plumbing, house-wiring, house-wall painting, electronic repairs, etc. This seems to be a state programme par excellence.

I have heard that the skill training under the “Self Employment Scheme” is provided free of cost. Housing and food costs during the training period are also provided free.

I am of the opinion that providing the training free is completely wrong. It would give a wrong assumption on the youths that the government is bound to provide everything for free. All the costs should be paid back in instalments spread over five years after the training. Collateral ought not to be required to join the training.

R. Sayami, Kathmandu

Shame

Apropos of the news “Parched throats, dry taps mark World Water Day” (THT, March 23), isn’t it ridiculous that the day was observed in the valley where there is a great scarcity of potable water?

The KUKL is supplying water in a very haphazard manner. The rich people can replenish their tanks by buying water but it is a serious problem for the lower and middle class families as they have to live within their limited budget.

To shirk its responsibility, KUKL points to lame excuses such as unpaid bills, very old water supply network, leakage.

Sanjay Shrestha, via e-mail