It is really heartbreaking to hear that 12 Nepalese were killed in a suicide attack on a minibus carrying security guards who were the first line of defence to diplomats and families of the Canadian embassy in Kabul.

It is more traumatic to hear that many of the deceased are survived by wife and children. I was quite surprised initially when the incident happened; the Canadian broadcaster and even the Canadian government was silent on the deaths of the Nepalese.

It is so disgusting that the international media thought they had very less to give the coverage about this tragedy. I wonder why the guards were driven without proper armed escorts in those war torn places.

So think the government should be taking this seriously and talk to the security firm and the Canadian government for the reasonable compensation for the families of the dead and the injured.

The government said it will provide support to the families of the deceased and also to those who returned home fearing security, but I doubt whether this statement would be translated into action because earthquake victims even after a year of disaster require desperate help. So I think the government must be helping these families.

The government should also take initiative to evacuate Nepalese in war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq.

They need to end the illegal flow of Nepalese workers in different war zones and they have to conduct campaigns to let the public know that it is not safe to illegally go there.

Chandan Kumar Shah, Idaho, USA

It’s a matter of privilege for the Nepalis that they are given the first priority when selecting security guards at international level particularly in war-torn countries.

Nepali ex-servicemen are chosen as the best security guards because of brevity, loyalty to the job and honesty to their services, “Gurkhas to guards: Nepali doing dangerous jobs abroad” (THT, June 22, Page 14).

At the same time, it is heartbreaking that many innocent Nepalis are compelled to work far away from their country just to meet their basic needs back home. They have to put their life at risk while safeguarding the life of others.

There’s a saying, “Airport is the safest place for aeroplanes; but they are not meant for keeping there”. Ex-servicemen can provide their security services to those who need such services. But the service providers must ensure that their life is also secure in the areas where they are deployed.

The 12 Nepalis would not have lost their lives had the employing agency arranged proper security for them on the way to and from their residence. It would be difficult for the manpower suppliers in the future if they do not care for the life and security of those people who ensure safety and comfort in the troubled zones.

The best way to discourage people from working in war-torn countries where Nepal does not have any political and economic interests is to provide job opportunities within the country by unveiling a number of projects that can absorb thousands of workforce.

Sanjog Karki, Palpa