Climate for investment

This refers to the article “Nepal-India relations” by Madhav Shrestha (THT, June 21). Nepal is a landlocked country sharing border with India on three sides. The socio-cultural ties between the two countries are very strong. For the same reason, India has also been

providing Nepal with grants and aid for the latter’s development. But the aid should go into productive sectors, such as generating employment. As most Nepalis are dependent on agriculture, this sector should get due attention.

After Brazil, Nepal has the second biggest hydro-power capacity. But foreign investors still shy away from investing in this sector.

Jana Andolan II will be deemed a success only if the country can achieve peace and create a conducive environment for foreign investment. While India’s annual growth rate is over eight per cent, that of Nepal is only two.

The government should realise that our economy cannot forever be propped up by remittances alone. We need to create more employment opportunities at home, and create an investor-friendly climate than merely depend on foreign aid.

Keshab Sharma, Kirtipur

Peace pact

The Maoists continue to flout their agreement with the seven-party alliance (SPA). Now they are demanding that they be allowed to join the government without laying down arms.

Their breach of accord only puts them in a negative light and casts doubts on their intent. The Maoists must realise that they cannot appoint DDC officials at random and

operate a parallel army. The rebels should not be allowed to join the government

unless they renounce violence.

The SPA too needs to expedite its peace efforts by taking the Maoists into confidence. If the

government continues to work towards dampening the people’s enthusiasm witnessed during the pro-democracy movement, the monarch and the Maoists will take advantage.

Other important issues may be discussed once a new constitution is drafted, thereby ensuring that the King and his henchmen get no chance to reassert themselves.

The government should also work towards ensuring free and fair elections. The SPA needs to deliver on their promise of a stable democracy.

Rajesh Koirala, via e-mail

Manage arms

This refers to the news “Interim govt only after arms issue is settled: Sitaula” (THT, June 21). The home minister is quite right in saying that the Maoists’ arms need to be managed before they are included in the interim government. Having said that, it is equally important to monitor the arms of the government forces as well.

Jenith Jabego, via e-mail

Extra charge

Nepal Telecom is charging extra for the distance calls received outside the registered areas of the mobile users.

Many believe that all incoming calls are free, irrespective of the distance. But in reality, those who receive calls from outside their registered areas are charged at the rate of

local calls. The company should not only think about maximising its profits but also keep in mind the financial burden on average citizens.

Niraj Shrestha, Biratnagar