Economic diplomacy

I hope Prime Minister G P Koirala focuses on economic issues during his ongoing visit to India. Our country has been left far behind even as most Asian economies boom. The PM should call on the Indian leadership to allow easy access to Nepali goods in Indian markets

and aid Nepal’s economic recovery.

People have suffered enough under the erstwhile Shah rulers. Nepalis have every right to look forward to a better future with the establishment of Loktantra. Someone has rightly said: “When poverty knocks at the door, happiness flies out of the window.” So Nepal should first concentrate on economic growth and establishment of a lasting peace.

Rajesh Koirala, via e-mail

Impractical

This refers to the report “Talks may be stalled if House stays: Maoists” (THT, June 7). I cannot understand why the Maoists want the HoR dissolved when it is obvious that in the absence of the House, the country will be rudderless. Can the Maoists clarify what they wish to replace the House with?

I suggest the Maoists give up their demand for HoR dissolution and focus their attention on the next round of peace talks. And quite frankly, I cannot see the HoR posing any problem for holding of next round of talks or jeopardising the Maoist’s cause in any way.

Ravi Aryal, via e-mail

Uncalled for

The Bhutanese refugees have been languishing in eastern Nepal for well over 16 years. The refugee community is indebted to the UNHCR for its humanitarian intervention to help solve many problems in the camps. But as per your report “Refugees against UNHCR plan”

(THT, June 6), the latest UNHCR bid to settle the refugees in a ‘third country’ was uncalled for.

This is an effort directed at undermining our birth rights as Bhutanese who were born and brought up in Bhutan. Nobody should overlook this important fact. We have every right to return home with honour and dignity.

No other country will do for us as we are Bhutanese to the core. We refuse to be treated like objects that may be tossed around at someone’s will.

Proposals like these give the Bhutanese leadership a free rein to further victimise the Bhutanese people inside Bhutan. This will only add to the UNHCR’s burdens. We will be highly grateful to international organisations like the UNHCR if they could help us get back to our homeland instead of facilitating our settlement in a third country.

Bhakta Raj Giri, Beldangi II, Jhapa

New statute

The government should now be working to draft a new constitution as per the

aspirations of the common Nepalis rather than fight among themselves for

cabinet posts. It must realise the challenges brought forth by the mass movement. A new constitution is the need of the hour.

Another pressing problem is the Bhutanese refugees crisis. The government has also failed to appreciate the refugees’ contribution in the pro-democracy movement.

Similarly, proclamation of Nepal as a secular state will not suffice to guarantee the rights of all marginalised communities. The government should translate its words into action.

Yuva Raj Baral, Birtamod, Jhapa