It seems now that the three major parties are determined to deliver the new constitution on 20 September as per the news story “CA likely to promulgate constitution on Sept 20” (THT, Sept. 15, Page 1).

In spite of the continued agitations in the Tarai the last lap of the constitution-drafting process has moved ahead in the CA.

Time is running out fast for both the agitating and the major parties to sit down for talks to settle political differences. If both the sides do not sit for talks the situation in the Tarai-Madhes will remain tense. However, it is good in the sense that the three major political parties who had different manifestos have come together to adopt the constitution by the second CA. The only concern of the

people is  whether the new constitution will bring lasting peace and open the door for prosperity in Nepal at a time when some of the districts in the Tarai have been shut down over the delineation of the boundaries of the federal units. In a democracy, everybody has the right to launch peaceful agitation but at the same time the government also has its duty to protect the life of the general people and property. It is  hoped that all the political parties will use their common sense, sit down on the

negotiating table and amicably settle their political differences.

Rai Biren Bangdel, Maharajgunj

Lodge protest

The unbelievable tortures conducted on two Nepali women victims by a Saudi Arabian diplomat in India is a shocking incident  “Saudi diplomat accused of raping, locking up Nepali women in India” (THT, Sept 10, Page 1). Diplomatic immunity does not allow immoral acts by any diplomat. The Saudi diplomat not only harassed, mentally abused and physically tortured the two victims; but also exploited them sexually. It is high time that the global powers discussed the merits and demerits of diplomatic immunity in the United Nations. Nepal should register official protests with India, Saudi Arabia and the United Nations against this unacceptable incident. The political parties of Nepal should make a strong gesture of solidarity and protest against this sad incident rather than only advocating always for their selfish demands. It is sad that the government of Nepali did not lodge an official complaint against the Saudi diplomat. How could we consider ourselves to be civilized and democratic when the highest offices of Nepal do not feel for the plight of their own citizens? I humbly beg the media and self-respecting citizens of Nepal to strongly, democratically and peacefully protest against this unacceptable incident to support defenseless fellow citizens. If we keep mum today more atrocities will be directed against Nepali citizens in the not so distant future.

Furthermore, without pointing fingers at one another Nepali political parties should take the responsibility in awakening the common people about the dangers of human trafficking plaguing the border districts of Nepal.

Saikat Kumar Basu, Via e-mail