Double standards

I was shocked to read the news “Maoists ask banks for money?” published in THT on May 23. It is surprising to note that the CPN (Maoist) is asking money from private banks at a time when it should be holding peace talks with the government.

Extortions are not in line with the 12-point understanding reached between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists. Also, what is the logic behind sparing the two government banks — Nepal Bank Limited and Rastriya Banijya Bank?

Some rebel leaders are already in Kathmandu for the much awaited first round of talks. The Maoist leaders claim that they now want to hold talks for the establishment of permanent peace in the country, but, at the same time, they are resorting to lootings and extortions. Isn’t this double standards?

Samir Jung Rana, Bagale Tole, Pokhara

Trying times

Nepalis have shown to the world what they are really capable of. They have brought about a sea change despite odds. By making the autocratic king bow down before their demands, the people have shown real courage. The mass is also keeping a close watch on the party leaders, who now have to mend their ways and work for the people’s and the nation’s welfare.

The main aim of the government should be to hold the elections to the constituent assembly. And for this, the Maoists are willing to help. On the other hand, the donor community has also pledged their support to Nepal. Since donor aid is important for the country’s development programmes, this is good news. These are challenging moments for the country and the policy-makers must show their commitment towards nation building.

Eak P Duwadi, via e-mail

No condition

The three-member Maoist talk team, headed by Krishna Bahadur Mahara, is already in the Valley to hold talks with the government. Hopefully, the two sides can resolve all their differences and sit for talks soon so that the people could be assured of permanent peace.

Although it is a positive sign that the team has arrived, there are some major differences between the Maoists and the government. The members of both the government and the Maoist talk teams should learn lessons from the past dialogue and not repeat the mistakes. The Maoists should, therefore, come for unconditional talks.

Prajjwal Kumar Dahal,

via e-mail

Hooliganism

It seems that mobocracy has come to stay in the country. The people’s movement was meant for peace and not for lootings and extortions. The government is turning a blind eye to the ongoing thefts and daylight lootings in the Valley. Law and order must be ensured or else the hooligans will go out of control.

Amit Kumar Sharma,

via e-mail

End violence

Since violence has never solved any problem, the Maoists must lay down arms and join the mainstream. The present environment is also right for this. All the stakeholders must compromise and bring to an end all forms of violence that has devastated the country over the years. Once peace is restored, there is no limit to what Nepal can achieve.

Dr R Gupta, via e-mail