Useful but vague:

It was interesting to read Shailendra Kumar Upadhyay’s article “National crisis” published in THT on August 15. He has suggested that “a widely participated political conference” is the need of the hour to reach a consensus on resolving the current political crisis in Nepal. He also wrote that the workshop organised by Nepal Citizens’ Forum also made a similar recommendation. Though this could be a creative solution, a mature politician like Upadhyay should have known that some necessary homework has to be done before holding a political conference. Also, it is unclear whether the author is referring to a political conference or a roundtable conference, as there exists a difference between the two. At the same time, while talking about a conference, he also needs to specify things like who would be responsible for taking the initiative, the legal process involved, when and where it should be organised, etc. At a time when the fundamental principles of the 1990 Constitution are violated by the state, we should focus on bringing the derailed constitutional process back on track.

Neetu Kafle, via e-mail

Bad manners:

Recently I was heading towards Chabahil Chowk from Gausala when I noticed that some students from a school bus were throwing banana skins and plastic bags from their windows. I was completely shocked by their behaviour. In schools these students are supposed to be taught subjects like the environment, population and health. But the educational institutions have failed to instil civic sense in them. I feel ashamed when my foreign friends often raise the issues of sanitation and garbage in Nepal. I was really under the impression that the younger generation would be truly guided by better education and would adopt environment-friendly practices to keep our city clean. It is painful to be a silent spectator. I urge all school authorities and the students to pay attention to this problem.

Birodh Pandey, Kathmandu

Help them:

The people who are living with HIV infection are treated very badly in our society. They are suffering from a social stigma in the form of isolation and neglect by the society and various health institutions. According to one UNAIDS report, more than 90 per cent of HIV positive people in Nepal do not get proper care in the country. These people need care and support from all. The government must implement strong and effective policies for them. Special care units must be created for their benefit and doctors and other health activists must take up their problems.

Suman Giri, Kathmandu

Good news:

It is good that FM stations have started broadcasting news again the last couple of days following the Supreme Court’s stay order restricting the government. Press freedom is part and parcel of democracy, and thus the re-start of FM news is one step in that direction. It is a good sign that democracy may be restored. FM stations deserve praise for the crusade they have launched against the government’s undemocratic orders. Let’s hope that all Nepalis come together to fight for the protection of their fundamental rights.

D Shah, via e-mail