Untimely remark

If the peace talks between the seven-party alliance (SPA) and the Maoists are successful and an interim government to monitor the constituent assembly (CA) polls is formed, the issue of whether to retain ceremonial monarchy or have a republican set-up in the country can be decided by the CA itself. It is thus premature of PM Koirala to talk about maintaining the status quo. He should know that the King is highly unpopular following the royal government’s bid to suppress the people’s movement. And were it not for the popular uprising, G P Koirala and other SPA leaders would probably be behind bars or in exile and their parties banned by now. The donors would have stopped all aid and the economy would have faced imminent collapse.

The veteran leader should respect the popular sentiments. Failure by the SPA to ensure multiparty system, law and order and economic progress will turn the public opinion against it. Premature talks of this kind will only encourage anti-democratic forces to believe that the SPA is once again knocking at the King’s door and seeking the blessings of a disgraced King.

Rajesh Koirala, via e-mail

Focus on CA

It is almost two months since the House resumed its functions. After the May 18 declarations, no significant steps have been taken towards the main goal of election for a constituent

assembly. The public is keen to know the date of the CA polls. But the government is still busy expanding its cabinet. Cabinet expansion is not the need of the hour. Other parliamentary declarations on issues like the women’s rights, untouchability, etc, could have easily been done later. The government should instead focus on CA polls.

Parasmani Pageni,

via e-mail

IT policies

Information technology (IT) is a relatively new discipline in Nepal. IT graduates are in high demand in different sectors of the country. Given the rising importance of IT sector in the world, Nepal’s education system must have sound IT policies. Nepal could benefit tremendously from outsourcing, like India, if the country can generate

capable IT manpower. This is also a way to generate employment for the youth.

Sushmita Gautam, via e-mail

Frightening

I was shocked to see the front page photograph of the dead policeman (THT, June 12), who apparently committed suicide after killing his girlfriend. The gruesome picture was picked up in extreme distaste for publication by your newspaper. Firstly, the picture must have hurt the sentiments of his family members, and secondly, by publishing the horrific scene, you are degrading the value of human life. And what about all those children who would have seen the photo? I request THT to be more sensitive.

Brandon White, via e-mail

Reduce ads

The number of advertisments in THT have increased dramatically but the number of news items, especially international news, has gone down. A limited space should be

allocated for advertisements and the majority of space should be reserved for news. I hope you will take my suggestion positively.

Chandan Prasad Das, KU