The news story that “Tourism sector back on its feet after earthquake, says Minister Sherpa” (THT, Sept. 16, Page 2) should come as a proverbial straw to rescue a large crowd of informal tourism entrepreneurs and professionals from economic cesspool. This positive development in tourism comes a few days after some disturbing news reports that Bardiya wildlife lodges and hotels have sent all their staff except security guards on leave. We need to revive tourism urgently for the sake of hundreds of small entrepreneurs like mobile vendors and informal freelance professionals such as guides at heritage sites. As someone who is interested in ordinary lives, I go around regularly talking to the vendors and the guides at various UNESCO heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Most of them are at their wits’ ends.  Without any other viable skills, they are stuck in the tourism rut. So, the news about tourism being back on its feet is most welcome for the people on the fringe of the economic ring. It is uplifting to know that all hotels are now back in business with new ‘look and services’. People living off tourism can now look forward to a grand Dashain.

J. Talchabhadell, Bhaktapur

Crisis in Nepal

This is with reference to the news story “Prolonged general strike hits Rautahat service seekers” (THT, Sept. 14, Page 5). This is a very sad and disappointing story which has disheartened the feelings of the Nepalese people. The disgruntled parties agitating in the Tarai region have caused great problems to the smooth running of business in the country. The strike has compelled the government services, industries, banks, educational institutions to remain closed. The government staffers are compelled to return home and the service seekers coming from remote areas are also forced to return home empty-handed. Local people are deprived of their basic rights. Children are also deprived of their educational rights. Due to the strike, life in the plains has been paralysed. The strike has not only created problems in the Tarai region but has also for the whole country. The Tarai is considered as the food basket of Nepal. Due to the strike, crops and other products have not been able to reach other parts of the country. The strike has also led to scarcity of essential daily commodities and local industries and the tourism sector has been hit hard the most. In order to end this problem the government and the agitating parties should hold talks to find a negotiated settlement of the problem and the ongoing violence must stop. The agitation is gradually becoming communal as a certain community particularly the people of hill origin have been targeted and forced to leave from their homes. The government should ensure safety and security of these who are facing intimidation.

Nishan Lal Joshi, Little Angels’ School