Nepal has adopted a secular, sovereign democracy model amidst differences of opinions between different political parties. In spite of strong opposition, Nepal has established a progressive pathway for securing the future democracy of the nation.

Challenges of religious states have plagued neighboring Bangladesh and Pakistan on several fronts; and Bangladesh has rectified her mistake of moving in the path of a religious state and reverted back to secularism. On one hand, Nepal must be applauded for its progressive stand to keep religion away from the state affairs and for strengthening the pillars of democracy of the nation while, on the other, the constant political struggles between various political fractions of the nations are showing critical signs of jeopardizing the democratic process in the long run. The rising political differences and isolation of the Tarai region in the southern plains of Nepal inhabiting several indigenous community members representing 50% of the national population must be sincerely addressed at the earliest with political maturity and compassion; and any show of force should be avoided. If the major political parties of Nepal fail to bridge the gap of isolation between the hills and plains there would be long term derailment of the progress of the nation for sure. All political fractions of the Himalayan nation should come across peacefully on a dialogue table and work sincerely in establishing peace, progress, development through meaningful dialogue and wholehearted cooperation.

Being sandwiched between two giant neighbors in the north and south with huge economies, massive military and significant global influences; Nepal has to be extremely cautious in maintaining a healthy balance with both the superpowers in her close quarters. Being a resource poor nation with significant large human population, the challenges of running the country under the new constitution will be certainly enduring.

Saikat Kumar Basu, Canada

Great relief

This is with reference to the news story “Bid to open Tatopani customs point in five days” (THT, Oct. 1, Page 1). It is good news that the government has taken initiative to open the Tatopani customs point, the gateway to the Tibetan region of China, after five months of its closure. Heavy machinery has been used to clear the debris on the road blocked by the dry landslides at several places caused by the devastating April 25 earthquake, its aftershocks and landslides during monsoon. The falling of the rocks at the customs points at the Friendship Bridge and Tatopani area has led to the closure of the immigration and customs office forcing the goods to be stranded on the other side of the Tibetan border town of Khasa. Once the road is cleared it will provide relief to Nepalis facing blockade by India.

Ramesh Khadka, Dhulikhel