Religious tolerance:

As long as religious hardliners remain, the world will continue to face terror threats. Islamic radical groups are in the forefront of global terrorism. Moreover, they are so radical that they cannot understand and respect other religions. These radicals are causing trouble in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Britain, America, France, Spain, among others. On November 25, I was invited to attend a seminar on ‘True Religion of God’. Bilal Phillip, a Canadian scholar (a Muslim convert), was the main speaker. Throughout the lecture he praised Islam, calling it the only true religion in the world. Rest of the religions are not supported and guided by God, he said. According to him, Islam worships God directly and not the creations of God. I did not agree with his judgement. He even urged non-Muslims to adopt Islam. Scholars like him are largely responsible for today’s extremism, radicalism and promotion to terrorism. All religions, including Islam, should co-exist in peace with respect for one another. Being the world’s only Hindu nation, Nepal has allowed Muslims to build mosques here but Hindus are not provided facilities in Islamic countries. Religious tolerance prevails in Nepal, which is a good thing.

Vinod Aryal, Doha, via e-mail

Switch-off tip:

The mobile phone has become indispensable for many of us today but we overlook the dangers associated with it. Most cell phone users are unaware that mobile phones should be switched off near petrol stations and gas-driven vehicles. Many can be seen using their phones at petrol stations. When the mobile phone rings, the battery generates an electric spark, which drives the speaker and the resulting ringtone. So, the chances of fumes emanating at petrol stations, igniting and exploding are very high. The petrol stations should put up large signboards to ask people to switch off their mobiles and avoid misfortune.

Tseten Rigzin, Kathmandu

No lights:

The SLC examinations take place place after a couple of months. But the load-shedding is affecting the students who are preparing for the exams. The government expects good results in the SLC but how can this be possible? This is the time to prepare for the send-up examination, which is very important for board exams. NTV supports the students with the help of distance education and this load shedding is affecting them. The government should show some concern and help the students.

Sandhya Ghimire, via e-mail

Nuisance:

On Poush 27, King Prithvi Narayan Shah is remembered and the day is celebrated as the National Unity Day. But I was shocked to see the celebrations in Kathmandu. The road in front of Singhadurbar, one of the busiest streets of the valley, was engaged in celebrating Prithvi Jayanti. Not a single passer-by was allowed to go past regardless of his/her urgency. People were finding it difficult to travel along the Tripureshwor road as it was the only way out and was jampacked. Anyway, it was the general people who were made to suffer.

Ruby Shrestha, via e-mail