This is with reference to the news story “Govt vows action against miscreants” (THT, Dec. 21, Page 2). There are words of wisdom in an English proverb which reads ‘As you sow, so you reap’. We could sense Nepali society descending to such low level when the erstwhile politicians took to the street chanting ‘Gyane chor des chhod’. Another barbaric and wild incident, which cannot be described in any words, took place during the press conference at the then Royal Palace when people helped themselves on the royal throne to great applause by the barbaric and wild onlookers. In fact, primitive barbarism had graced Nepal long before this, with the start of the People’s War. Bad words and action, like the present blockade, have the habit of repeating themselves like boomerangs. Madhesis will also face similar consequences in due course of time. You just need to wait and watch. Oli and other politicians can do away with barbaric and wild behaviours of their cadres and activists by following the teachings and preaching of ‘good conduct’. Since Nepal has already achieved, or is going to achieve 100 percent literacy, the 150 political parties in the country must only induct mature graduates with immaculate character as activists. Parties should ban and make it a criminal offence to use violence in words and deeds to achieve their political ends. They should prohibit violent activities such as throwing stones, burning tyres, smashing buses etc while in opposition. If the political parties start handing over their erring, smuggling, black-marketeering and thuggish cadres to the guardians of law, such barbaric and wild words and deeds, as seen during the President’s visit to Janaki Temple, will become a piece of history.

Manohar Shrestha,

Kathmandu

Self-reliant

This has reference to the news story “Quake victims battling against cold in tents” (THT, Dec. 18, Page 6). The April 25 devastating earthquake and the ongoing crisis resulting from the Indian blockade against Nepal have been a traumatic experience for the victims of natural calamities. This cannot even envisage the probable consequences of such political vulnerability. The quake victims are in a desperate situation. Furthermore, the government must come with plans of action to make the country self-reliant focusing on agriculture and hydro-power, the two areas Nepal can excel within a couple of years. The concerned authorities will have to abide by the decision of the government for their effective performance in the course of rehabilitation and emotional support to them. It is the agriculture and energy sectors that ensure food and energy security to the country. Once a food exporting country Nepal has now been reduced to a food importing nation despite the fact that a lot of investment has been made on it for decades. Where did we miss the opportunity of making the country self-reliant on foodstuff? We need to revisit our past plans and policies before jumping to any conclusion.

Sanjog Karki, Tansen