Koirala’s last chance

Time has been kind to Prime Minister G P Koirala by providing him with another opportunity to govern. But it can only be hoped that he has learnt from his mistakes. This is obviously the last chance for the octogenarian leader to amend all that went wrong when he was at the helm.

Koirala is known to be a bold leader, irrespective of some wrong decisions he made in the past. Now is the time to take bolder decisions. Luckily for him, this time around, the people power is behind him.

Provided that Koirala succeeds in abolishing the feudal state structure and bringing the Maoist problem to an end, he can rise to the rank of his elder brother B P Koirala.

Tejen Bhattarai, Kirtipur

Referendum

It seems that the Nepali Congress is divided over the issue of ceremonial monarchy v republican form of government. G P Koirala, from the beginning, wanted the reinstatement of the parliament and it was only due to the pressure of Jana Andolan that he agreed to constituent assembly polls.

If the tussle is over the question of republic v ceremonial monarchy, why not put it to a referendum and let the people decide for themselves.

Rajan Devkota, Pulchowk Engineering Campus

Right to life

Shibu Giri’s article titled “The unknown martyr” published in the Variety section of THT on May 2 was a sentimental one. I don’t understand how a man fighting for his life could possibly be deprived of the necessary medical treatment under any circumstances merely because he is living with HIV/AIDS. He is indeed a true ‘martyr’. Instead of providing special privileges, the HIV patients are humiliated and uncared for in the country. This is unfair. Every AIDS victim should be guaranteed the right to live with dignity.

Nibha Vaidya, Budhanilkantha School

Good deed

The current dry spell has been particularly ravaging for the fishes of Rani Pokhari. It was heartening to observe dozens of water tankers lined up in front of the Durbar High School pouring out their contents to save the fishes of the dried-up pond the other day. A number of families and members of the Buddhist community from Bouddha did this humanitarian deed even as the callous KMC stood by and did practically nothing. The people who made this effort deserve thanks and praise.

Dr Megh Gurung,

Maharajgunj

Animal care

Nepal is one of the few countries in the world without any animal welfare legislation. No investment is made in solving the problems of stray animals. Livestock is killed with hammers and knives, while in the rest of the world safer and kinder methods are used. Buffaloes, goats and birds are sacrificed in an unorganised and often cruel manner. On certain occasions, ruthless animal sacrifice is rampant. During the 19-day demonstration, many animals had to go without water and food; some died as a result of injuries. We call upon the government to do justice to the animal population of Nepal and abolish any kind of animal cruelty resorted to in the name of tradition.

Lucia, Animal Nepal,

Kathmandu