LETTERS

Time to mend fences:

The political situation, in the wake of the February 1 royal takeover, is fuelling the speculation that the King is bent on establishing a regressive government. This comes at a time when a large section of the public is demanding the restoration of fundamental rights and democracy in the country. The King should not be complacent about what he did in the name of restoring peace. In fact, it is high time he understood that he cannot silence the protestors with the help of his coterie, tainted ministers and the so-called nationalists, who are always waiting for an opportune moment to be close to him. Honestly speaking, these are the people who misguide the King and, in the process, grind their axe. The situation is fast going out of control and it would be disastrous for the country if the ongoing violence escalated. This time, it is the King who would be held responsible. Therefore, the King should now take stock of the situation before it is too late and patch up with the leaders of the agitating parties. The agitating leaders, on the other hand, should have a clear vision while discussing relevant issues with the King. They should suggest the ways that can help resolve the issues plaguing the nation.

Krishna K Limboo, via e-mail

Neglected:

It is unfortunate that no successive governments gave priority to the development of Janakpur. The residents of this famous city are forced to live without modern amenities. Take, for instance, the mobile phone service. If cell phones can operate in all the major cities of the country, then why can’t it be possible in Janakpur? The people of this city certainly deserve some attention from the government.

Raj, Janakpur

Price hikes:

We have often heard ministers and bureaucrats defend the hikes in the prices of petroleum products. They argue that the NOC is running up huge losses in the sale of petroleum products and that it cannot do without raising their prices for several reasons, such as the increasing price of crude in the international market. Though they are right, they don’t state the facts clearly. Will the finance ministry inform the public about the amount it pays while buying a litre of petrol or diesel? Price hikes are not the only solution. Reduction or elimination of taxes on petro-products would be the right step. Measures should also be taken to increase efficiency and reduce corruption at the NOC. The adulteration of petrol and diesel should also be stopped.

Pratik Pradhan, Kathmandu

Ban smoking:

It is disgusting to see cigarette butts littered all over the roads. The parks, public toilets, and bus stations are always dirty, thanks to the poor civic sense among the public. I went to South India recently. I noticed that people there were so health-conscious that they didn’t even light a cigarette in front of children. No one smoked in public places. However, in Nepal, people smoke freely in public places. It’s high time the government banned smoking in public places so that non-smokers are not harmed.

Jesse Lepcha, via e-mail