Apropos of the news story “Seven to hang for Nepali woman’s rape, murder” (THT, Dec. 22, Page 1), if India hangs seven of those rapacious sex devils, the unfortunate victim’s family will be somewhat vindicated. The sentence needs to be fast-tracked and the predators condemned to death as soon as possible. This should also open the door for death penalty even in Nepal for all sex crimes as well as murders. To the victims of sex assault and murder, human rights values in criminal justice dispensation are of no consolation. Another news relating to our neighbour, “India welcomes government’smove” (THT, Dec. 22, Page 1) should cheer the hapless people who have been facing ‘humanitarian crisis’ in their own homes and cities owing to shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene and cooking gas arising out of the Indian blockade. Now that Dy PM and FM Thapa has informed India of his government’s commitment to address Madhesi demands, people can perhaps look forward to putting an end to their individual crisis soon. Most of us knew that it would have been far better if we had solved our internal problems on our own.

Manohar Shrestha,

Kathmandu

Children’s use

Rauatahat district remained tense after one student was shot dead by security forces during demonstrations on Sunday. A day after those incidents, irate students attacked and burnt down some police posts, pulled down compound wall of and picketed Area Police for four hours. They even attacked and burnt some government offices as well. It was very unfortunate to see the disgruntled parities involving students in the protests which is totally against the rights of the students to independently engage in the teaching-learning process. It is really surprising to see the security personnel using excessive force to quell the people’s right to peaceful demonstration. And, it is really disturbing and unfortunate to see the students coming out in the streets and getting killed during demonstrations. Where are we leading the young students who are considered to be the future pillars of the nation? Why do not the ruling parties become sensible and try to settle the political and constitutional issues with the disgruntled forces amicably rather than trying to calm down their voices by using force? The ongoing political deadlock should be settled keeping in view the number of protesters being killed by the security forces in the name of maintaining law and order. It has been almost four months since the UDMF launched street protests to express their dissatisfaction over the promulgation of new constitution without addressing their concerns. Both the ruling and agitating parties do not seem to set aside their political egos and come to consensus through dialogue. Unless they show their political acumen and statesmanship, the ongoing Madhes agitation will go out of their hands involving ethnic violence tearing apart the age-old social harmony.

Rai Biren Bangdel,

Maaharajgunj.