February 24, 2006

The Supreme Court’s decision to scrap the Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) has now proved that the judiciary is independent from influence from power centers in decision making “JUDICIARY: A Proud Product of Democratic Innovation” (SPOTLIGHT February 17). The decision has given reply to those who were saying that there is no rule of law left in Nepal or that the Supreme Court is also indirectly under the umbrella of the royal regime. As you have written, this is one of the contributions of the democratic process the country has practiced in the last few years. It has once again boosted the morale of those who believe in independent judiciary and rule of law.

Krishna Bhantana
Thamel

Insurgency: A Lesson To All

While the Maoist insurgency that has marred the nation with violence for the past one decade has become very devastating to entire country and its people, it has also taught ample lessons to the political parties, the policy planners and leaders of the society “MAOIST INSURGENCY: A Decade Of Violence” (SPOTLIGHT February 17). The recent series of interview of Maoist supreme Prachanda has also made it clear that even the leftists or the hardliner communists are not convinced that a pure class less society as described in the communist manifesto is possible to attain given the present international trend. Likewise, the popularity or the influence of the Maoists among the people in a short time shows how inequality and exploitation in the society can fuel a conflict. While devising policy and plans for social or economical transformation, the policy makers should learn to take these things into account. Likewise, leaders of society should learn from their and their predecessors’ mistakes and modify their activities in order to avert undesirable consequences on the future generations.

Tanka Subba
Dharan

Pertinent Issue

You have raised very pertinent issues in the cover story this issue “JUDICIARY: A Proud Product of Democratic Innovation” (SPOTLIGHT February 17). Nepal does not have a long history of independent judiciary system. Before the establishment of democracy in 1951, the judiciary was considered a part of the executive when the king or the prime minister could overrule the verdicts of the jury. However, after the establishment of democracy, the judiciary has gradually evolved itself as an independent body. While, often times it has faced criticisms and allegations of being influenced by the executive, the recent decision to dissolve the Royal Commission For Corruption Control (RCCC) citing it unconstitutional has once again proved that judiciary is free from any influence.

Jit Kumar Gurung
Pokhara

Abstain From Strikes

The story on tourism gives a shrewd analysis of the present situation the tourism entrepreneurs are facing “TOURISM INDUSTRY: Little Hopes This Season” (SPOTLIGHT February 17). Tourism industry, considered the most prospective for quick development of the country, is suffering the most from the ongoing violent insurgency. Thousands of tourists who want to visit Nepal to spend their holidays are diverting to other destinations because of the political instability and chaos in Nepal . At present, the chief factors marring the business in tourism sector are general strikes and disruptions in transportation and communications. The prospective tourists, in most cases have started to ignore the internal violence considering it an internal matter that does not directly target the tourists. However, the disruptions in transportations and the consequent difficulty in mobility disturb the very purpose of holidaying. So, if the Maoists abstained from disrupting mobility and transportation, while devising strategies for achieving their political goals, it would keep the economy running and save the country from probable bankruptcy.

Jeewan Subedi
Thamel

Correct Errors

The cover story this issue about the judiciary was well written, informative and analytical “JUDICIARY: A Proud Product of Democratic Innovation” (SPOTLIGHT February 17). However, it contained typographical errors in the lead itself. Instead of writing ‘Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC)’, you had written ‘Royal Commission of Corruption (RCC)’. The latter phrase actually gives a meaning contrary to what it was intended. While, people who follow the news regularly will easily notice the mistakes and can correct it as they read, for some one who has seen the term for the first time it is misleading. So, an esteemed magazine like SPOTLIGHT should be more careful not to let typographical errors occur in the final print to maintain public image.

Kedar Shrestha
Naxal

(Editor: The inadvertent error is regretted)