Set agenda for peace

With mixed messages coming from political parties and the palace, UN mediator Lakhdar Brahimi left Nepal disappointed. This indicates that the international community cannot help us as long as we are not ready to help ourselves. The visit of international delegates like Brahimi will be futile if we do not have a proper agenda in the first place. What can the UN do if the parties to the conflict disagree with each other?

We cannot rely on the international bodies like UN to do everything for us. If our political parties and the monarch lack the commitment to see our country on the path of peace, there is not much an outsider can do. It is indeed sad that there is no glimmer of hope for the resolution of the conflict.

Arun Pant, Godavari

Transition

This is in response to the Midway “Lazy days” by Kumud Nepal published in THT on July 20.The writer seems to be going through one of the tough times each of us passes through during our late teens. It is interesting that he had tried his hands at so many things but not found one to hook him for any length of time. But Nepal seems not to have realised that from this point on in our lives, as I experienced myself, nothing is the same ever again. The liberty we enjoyed earlier vanishes and we can never be the same guilt-free and exuberant person. I would advise him to keep exploring all options till he finds one that really interests him.

Although reading may not be his cup of tea, he seems to have a flair for writing. I look forward to reading more of his articles. And though he may no longer be inclined to write an application for another vacation, how about writing one for a new job?

Sujana Upadhyay, via e-mail

Dress sense

Barsha Ghimire’s Midway “The ‘see-shirt’ saga” on July 18 was admirable. This article is a good example of out-of-the-box thinking. Definitely, what we wear speaks a lot about our

persona. It represents who we are and how we mean to communicate with the external world. I too have come across a few uncomfortable situations when somebody’s dress has put me off. Similarly, some messages printed on these ‘see-shirts’ are very indecent. Therefore the wearers should be very careful about what they put on. The fashion houses should not promote vulgar cloth items either.

Arun Bhattarai, via e-mail

Pollution

The rivers in Kathmandu have become so polluted that I cannot walk by one without holding my nose. The egregious neglect of our sacred rivers is appalling. Aren’t we abetting the

culprits by turning our eyes away from these waterways? Even more amazing is the dearth of public outcry against such practices. The tourist heaven Kathmandu is being defaced by unchecked pollution and poor garbage management. It is indeed heart wrenching to see our holy rivers being used as dumping sites. First, we need to stop the drainage pipes from being emptied on these rivers. Next, severe punishment should be meted out to those responsible for river pollution. This is not the problem of an individual. All of us need to join hands in preserving the beauty of this historic city.

Anup Pandey, Banepa