It was very sad and unfortunate to read the news story “SSP among eight killed in Tikapur clashes” (THT, Aug. 25, Page 1). This tragedy should not have happened at such a time when the nation is politically in a scary situation. Who is responsible for inviting this dreadful situation? The major political parties should have been more considerate and sympathetic towards the grievances of the general people and acted swiftly to avoid such unwanted incidents. They should have seriously respected the people’s right not to haphazardly federate the nation. Are they waiting to see more people die in the name of federalism?Most of the districts in the far-western and mid-western regions have

remained tense and shut down for the last few days making the daily lives of people very difficult. It is surprising to see that the major political parties still do not seem to budge from their unpopular decision.

Had they done the proper homework before announcing their decision of federating the nation into six and then into seven Pradeshes, there would not have been such unfortunate incidents with the innocent people and policemen losing their lives. It is now heard that the people have started seeing the merit in declaring the existing five

development regions as Pradeshes. They were more scientifically delineated.Closely looking at the ongoing political situation in these districts; the major political parties should not be wasting any time in making palatable decisions to avoid further bloodshed. There are other contentious issues still to be resolved before finalizing the new constitution. So, the time has come for the so-called senior political leaders to coolly rethink their decision and act responsibly to emancipate the nation from entering into a never ending political confrontation and saving it from disintegration.

Rai Biren Bangdel, Maharajgunj

Cattle pens

Apropos of the editorial “Cattle nuisance” (THT, Aug. 26, Page 8), let us not blame the innocent cattle as the real

nuisance is the owners. In the good old days the three royal sisters at Kamaladi would drive their cattle on to Durbar Marg after milking them every morning. In those days nobody touched the cattle for fear of retribution. Sadly this tradition has continued putting the cattle at grave physical danger. This problem can be solved easily by making it illegal for anyone within the ring road to let their cattle loose on the streets of the metropolis. Jail the owners for a week or two and make them pay tens of thousands every time a cow or a bull or a calf wanders on the streets and highways. KMC, LMC and BMC can each make Rs 634, 000 daily from the fines alone. In due course of time, all these municipalities can save enough to open grand cattle shelters, communes and pens in the valley. The owners can then perhaps breathe a sigh of relief.

J. Talchabhadell, Bhaktapur