Need for royal initiative

It is unfortunate that the conflict between the Maoists and the security forces has resumed in the country. This is bound to have an adverse impact on the economy, education, tourism and other sectors alike. The majority of development works have been stalled. Since peace is what the people desire the most, the King himself must step forward and initiate a dialogue with all the stakeholders in order to solve the insurgency.

Also, since, during the King’s visits, the people have been demanding infrastructural development, the responsibility lies with the monarch to start development process in the remote villages. Otherwise, all his royal visits would be fruitless.

Jatta Shanker Sah, Birgunj

Vacuum

As many writers in THT have recently commented on the way nomination papers of the candidates were filed for tomorrow’s municipal elections, it is certainly a mockery of democratic exercise. If the royal government thinks otherwise, the election day would prove it wrong since there is not going to be any major participation of the people in the polls. There is a political vacuum in the country, which can be filled only by holding talks and understanding between the three political forces of the country.

Anal Khadka, Kalanki

What next?

It is high time the leaders of the seven-party alliance, especially Girija Prasad Koirala and Madhav Kumar Nepal, told the people what exactly they plan to do if the King ever decided to let them form an all-party government. Just saying that they will go ahead with the constituent assembly election is not enough. That may actually be their end since the Maoists are likely to take the majority. The recent victory of the militant group Hamas in the Palestinian elections is a proof of the popularity of militant outfits during national polls. The leaders should draw a lesson from Hamas victory and put forward a practical agenda.

Prakash KC, via e-mail

No doctors

It is sad that many people, especially in the rural areas, are dying of curable diseases in the country. There are no well-trained doctors and medical facilities are minimal. Thanks to the insurgency, many health posts have even closed down.

There are around 12 well-equipped medical colleges in the country that produce hundreds of MBBS doctors every year. Where are these students now? The answer is simple — they have migrated abroad. This is the tragedy of this country. Since there is better scope abroad for the educated youth, hundreds of them go out of the country every year.

Those who stay back are not qualified enough. Save a handful of doctors, most of the medical practitioners are cheats.

We have heard of patients complaining about being cheated by them. It is also tragic that those who actually want to serve the country never get a seat in the MBBS exam since corruption and favouritism are rampant.

Often, those well connected to powerful people or children of businessmen get the scholarships to study medicine abroad. Such practices would continue to have adverse impact on poor Nepalis.

Pratik Chauhan, Kupondol