Apropos of the editorial “Do more” (THT, October 18, page 6), Nepal deserves hearty felicitations for being elected as a member of the above body. However, there is a world of difference between being elected and living up to the trust and responsibilities of the membership. Only if we can show to the world through live examples that we are a nation that respects human rights in every sphere of life will “enhance Nepal’s image at international arena” as averred by Shankar Das Bairagi. In the coming days, all eyes are likely to be on Nepal’s TRC and CIEDP bringing serious human rights violations to a logical conclusion according to accepted norms and not through forgiveness and forced reconciliation through tacit or blatant intimidation. Nepal will have to do more to settle human rights violations during the conflict to the satisfaction of the accursed victims in line with international practices.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Tourism

I am writing this to emphasize the fact that ours is the country which is culturally, religiously, and naturally rich in the world. The news article “Thai Princess Sirindhorn arrives Lumbini” (THT, October 18, Page 3) got me thinking that we can lure tourists from the entire world because of our richness in our natural resources plus cultural and religious heritage. Generally, the westerners are inspired or attracted by Mt. Everest, and our beautiful Himalayan ranges and mountains. The Asian tourists basically from China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea are attracted by Lumbini. What a great combination of our country’s historical and natural richness. I am sure of the fact that if we just know how to promote tourism then we don’t need any other industrial grand projects to compete with the sophisticated nations in the decades to come. The small thing will make a big difference in how we think and act.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne

Firecrackers

During this Tihar it has been found that children were seen using firecrackers in every nook and corner of the city. Well, firecrackers have been banned in India by the way. But such is simply not the case with Nepal as the law which can do away with them have really not been made so far. Firecrackers have chances of harming  children because they are mischievous by nature which means they are not careful about and serious enough while playing with those explosive materials. On top of that, even parents don’t look like keeping their eyes on their children. Cases of children coming across physical injuries likes burns in body parts have been found.

Besides, firecrackers are also used for frightening others with their explosive sounds. Law and action of the law enforcement agencies are not enough to control firecrackers. Society itself and the parents must come forward to discourage their kids from using firecrackers during Dipawali during which such firecrackers are used.

Pratik Shrestha, Kathmandu