LETTERS

Landmark verdict

The Supreme Court’s recent verdict to dissolve the controversial Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) is a smart slap in the government’s face. It also raises several questions regarding the legal basis of the present government’s formation.

Although those held captive by the RCCC are yet to be proved not guilty, it is clear that the RCCC was illegally imprisoning a number of officials and political leaders right from the beginning. The Supreme Court upheld the supremacy of the 1990 Constitution through this verdict. Also, since its formation, the RCCC had used a lot of government money and resources to pay for its expenses. It would be interesting to see if the RCCC men are one day charged with abuse of authority.

Hemanta Thakur,

via e-mail

Hypocrisy

Unfortunately, the seven agitating parties have exposed their double standards. When the

international community criticised the present government, the parties seemed pleased. They said that the international community was showing ‘genuine concern’ over Nepal’s political condition. Now, when their 12-point agreement with the Maoists has been questioned and criticised by the international community, suddenly the party leaders are upset with the

ambassadors. They have said that the foreign dignitaries lack an understanding of the

‘complexities’ of the present Nepali crisis. The same is the case with the present

government officials, who welcome and rebuke the foreigners according to what suits them. Such contradictory stances will lead to a loss of credibility. How can anyone expect the people to believe the government or the parties given their double standards?

Sadaya Hamal, Biratnagar

Bird flu

It was shocking to read the news “Bird flu in India” (THT, Feb. 19). If bird flu alarm is ringing in our neighbourhood, this means that Nepal too is vulnerable to this deadly disease. But our officials seem too relaxed about the possibility of the spread of bird flu at home. We are unprepared to deal with this disease in case it surfaces. Time has come for the state to take some measures to prepare the people with regard to the dangers of bird flu.

Sushant Lohani, Kendriya Vidyalaya

Price hike

It seems that an increase in the price of petroleum products, in the name of loss and compensation, has become a major tool in the hands of every government to overcome its financial crisis. Unfortunately, the ultimate victims of this price hike are the commoners who are already suffering from numerous social ills. Those in the low-income category are finding it extremely difficult to cope with the hike.

Instead of spending money on unproductive activities, the government should concentrate on

solving the petroleum crisis once and for all. The government bodies are spending a lot of money to carry out projects that are unnecessary at present. For instance, Nepal Telecom’s decision to construct the highest building in South Asia sounds ridiculous at a time when the majority of the population is reeling under poverty.

Romnath Chhetri, Tilganga