Apropos of the news story “131 VAW cases recorded in a month” (THT, April 23, Page 2), this is depressing as it shows the prevalence of violence against women in our society. Women’s rights are not secure even in this 21st century in our country. Even more depressing is the fact that their rights are violated by their near and dear ones. They are suffering from physical assault, mental torture, rape, sexual abuse, lack of equal opportunities, murder etc. With 131 VAW cases in a month there arises the question of safety of women. Their dignity should be saved with severe punishment to the offenders. Tough punishment to the offenders must be a lesson to those who don’t care about women’s dignity. We should stop husbands abusing their wives’ rights, family members torturing their daughters-in-law and violating their dignity. Women are fighting to eliminate VAW from society and the concerned authorities should be with them in this task to save their dignity.

Susmita Humagain, Kavre

Commendable

In reference to the news story “Conflict victims optimist” (THT, April 21, page, 5), better late than never is exemplified by collecting the complaints in the local peace committee office via Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappearances of Persons. The innocents who were killed or otherwise made to suffer serious physical and other infliction during the insurgency era, including torture and loss of limbs, should get justice. The family of the victims feel relief when their complaints are collected. This initiation may help end impunity regarding serious human rights violations.

Neela Adhikari, Koteshwor, Kathmandu

Let us rebuild

The devastating earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015 and others in its aftermath caused a lot of damage in a number of districts of the country. The earthquake claimed about 9, 000 lives, left nearly 22, 000 injured, razed villages, cities, infrastructure and a number of cultural and historical sites.

Above all, the earthquake damaged five out of our seven UNESCO World heritage sites. The damage to heritage sites like the three Durbar Squares, the Swayambhu stupa, the fifth century heritage site of the Changunarayan temple, the landmark Dharahara caused heartaches to all Nepalese. The most crucial thing for now is to gain what we lost. Much of our heritage has been damaged in the massive earthquake, but it is imperative that we rebuild.

The Nepalese people are an example of how people can remain optimistic even when faced with colossal adversity. I salute the great spirit and determination of all the Nepalese. From the day of the massive earthquake the relationship between people changed and that’s something for good. People stayed out for days. The hardship brought people in a locality closer. I think that such experiences led us to realize the value of being compassionate towards someone.

Kajol Shah, Sanepa