Apropos of the news story “Shortage of essentials worries ICRC, donors” (THT, Nov 11, Page 2), it is ironic that crippling shortage of bare necessities worries ICRC, donors, UN secretary-general and international communities at large, and not the Nepal government. It is highly puzzling that India that had continuously assisted forces of democracy in this country for over seven decades should now punish the ordinary people by stemming the flow of essential goods. What are the reasons for India’s abrupt change of heart? In the past, India had extended hospitality and protection to our politicians right from BPK to BRB when they were hounded at home by the Panchayat security apparatus. What upsets India now? Our government should take the initiatives and find urgent solutions to the looming humanitarian problems gripping the country. Not talking is not an option. Our politicians should by no means ingratiate themselves to India, but that does not mean they should not talk. Or else how are they going to stop the humanitarian crisis that is beginning to worry the INGOs and the world at large?

Talchabhadell, Bhaktapur

An appeal

Apropos of the letters by our dear brothers Yami & Shrestha (THT, Nov 6, Page 6), I would humbly like to suggest that I can feel the deep pain and frustrations building up in Nepal. However, my friendly suggestion to the nation I love is that antagonizing our giant neighbors with huge military and economic strengths as well as global influence may jeopardize Nepal’s future. Politicians and diplomats need to avoid making immature and provocative statements. At this crucial juncture Nepal has to measure every inch of her steps with serious calculations as the whole world is watching the nation. Nepal needs to maintain a positive and healthy diplomacy, as well as socio-political and socio-economic engagements with both her giant neighbors. The present government has to resolve the internal situation with the people in the vast plains region. Nepal has to settle a major political problem with the plain’s communities through peaceful dialogues and discussions, avoiding the use of force as that may turn the situation out of hand. The whole crisis will melt down as soon as the communities within the boundaries of the nation share power and the political differences are peacefully resolved; without which the situation will continue to persist. Already a difference of opinions regarding the southern crisis has been creeping between the major political parties of Nepal and the gap could widen more drastically in the not so distant future. The longer the government takes to reach an agreement the deeper will be the crisis. The ordinary citizens, civil societies, students, intellectuals and the Nepali diaspora need to come together to resolve this political issue along with the new government. An all inclusive Nepal will be a democratically stable and economically stronger nation in the future.

Saikat Kumar Basu, Canada