Live and let live

It is true that people lack the sense of humanity and love for other creatures. This was beautifully expressed in the Midway piece “Fatuous fun” by Dipesh Parajuli, published in THT on June 20. The writer seems to be very considerate by nature and he thus criticises the brutality of man on animals and birds. His argument on the conservation of the defenceless animals is appreciable. Killing birds and animals for fun or sport is a direct violation of their right to live. We should raise a voice for their protection. But many people do not really bother about this and think it is futile to talk about animal rights. If nothing else, the slaughter of innocent animals should be reduced so that animals and birds can live peacefully and can be part of the natural beauty. It would be better for all if we followed the simple natural law - live and let live.

Dilip Dachhepati, Pulchowk Campus

Bad attitude

I have spent many months in Kathmandu and plan to reside in Nepal for a long time. I have deep respect for the Nepali people and I understand the socio-economic struggle of this land. I want to use my education and ideas to positively contribute to the changes that are needed for the welfare of this country. However, I am compelled to complain about the strange behaviour of some young Nepali men towards western women visiting or residing in Nepal. The stereotypes that exist through false promotion of western culture are affecting the way westerners are treated here. During my last visit I was subjected to verbal harassment, physical abuse by men who thought they could freely touch me, especially during times like Holi or simply while walking in the streets. I want to make it clear that this sort of behaviour is not at all accepted in the West. Men do not make sexual remarks on young women or in any way be curt or harass us. Instead we receive equal respect. It is shameful to conclude that foreign women lack the same moral integrity as Nepali women. Assuming things on the

basis of the skin colour is an insult. The young people should also understand that tourists are important for the economy of their country, and by harassing women foreigners, they are only hampering their own country in a way. I am sure they do not want travellers to go back with tales of harassment.

Kelly Sherpa, via e-mail

Interesting

The news “Bluebeard, 7 drug-pushing wives busted,” published in THT on June 20, was a good one. The news story reported that the drug baron, Buddhe Tamang, who had been

using seven of his wives to push drugs, was nabbed by the anti-narcotics wing of the police.

There are many more drug dealers around who need to be arrested if the widespread use of hard drugs in the country is to be stopped. Most of the Nepali drug dealers are reported to have links with or work for foreign drug traffickers. The anti-narcotics body should be more active and catch the drug dealers. This type of news not only enhances the quality of crime reporting but also makes a newspaper interesting. The media should encourage such news to make the readers informed and make them like your newspaper.

Nirvani Rana, Dillibazar