No Option
It was interesting to read your cover story on “A Hobson’s Choice” (SPOTLIGHT July 27). I agree with you that nobody wants to hold the elections now as all political powers are enjoying benefits from the present parliament. The silent majority, who wants to hold the elections, are not in a position to influence the country’s course. It is unfortunate to say that people of Nepal have no option other than to live under present government which is neither accountable to the people nor representative.
Sharad Subba
Dharan
Mock Polls
The mock election held recently in Pharping showed a good turn out “A Hobson’s Choice, SPOTLIGHT July 27). This shows people are much enthusiastic about election. Nevertheless, people’s gusto is not enough to conduct the CA poll. Nor is the obstinacy of Prachanda and Girija Prasad Koirala adequate for accomplishing the CA poll. The main factor is security. The fact is Nepal is very insecure. The recent spate of murder of VDC workers by agitating groups in Terai exposed the fragile security situation in our nation. VDC workers have already said that they will not return to work until the government assures security. If these suspend there works for a few weeks more, then it will be difficult to conduct the CA polls on time. It doesn’t seem that the Terai issue will be resolved in the near future. Therefore, whether the CA poll can be conducted or not on time still is questionable.
Nirmala Sharma
via-email
Press Under Attack
The continual hindering of distribution of various daily newspapers by Maoist affiliated workers is a brazen attack on press freedom. Maoist associated workers have already obstructed distribution of Kantipur, The Himalayan Times, Samacharpatra and Annapurna Post. It is disappointing that the government did not take any punitive actions against those Maoist cadres. Maoists are in charge of the Ministry of Information and Communication. Therefore, there role should be to preserve press freedom. Ironically, they are responsible for attack on press. Some people had already expressed disapproval when Maoists were given the Ministry of Information and Communication speculating that they would be against free press. However, Krishna Bahadur Mahara asserted that he is fully committed for press freedom. Now, again his commitment is dubious. It is hypocritical that the communication and information minister claims to be committed to press freedom while remaining a mere spectator when the media houses are attacked. Until punitive actions are taken against those responsible for obstructions, government’s stance on press freedom will always remain questionable.
Ganesh Maharjan
Chyasal
Strict Laws
The interim parliament always seemed to pass controversial acts. However, it was amazing when it passed a law that can certainly address women trafficking (Harsh Hand SPOTLIGHT, July 27). The trafficking control act of 1986 was very ineffectual. Therefore, new law was indispensable for effectively controlling human trafficking. New law has come at a time when it was most needed. Many people have acclaimed parliament for formulating this law. This law is more flexible for the victim and stricter for the defendants. Although the law is stricter than the previous one, it will not be effective if not properly enforced. Law enforcement is a problem in our country. Law only is not enough to prevent human trafficking. This time the government should also enforce the law strictly. Therefore, if executed sternly this law will certainly discourage all the criminals involved in human trafficking.
Tshiring Lama
Bouddha
Informative Piece
The article written by Ganesh Raj Sharma was very interesting and very informative (SPOTLIGHT, July 20). Spotlight magazine should encourage such articles. At a time when our so called intellectuals have been focusing on Nepal’s local issues, Sharma explained how helpless Nepal’s internal players are trapped in the broad design of big neighbors. I agree with him that India which has manipulated everything to place Nepal into present chaotic position is ultimately going to be a loser. I don’t understand what India has gained by weakening moderate and liberal democratic forces in Nepal and by backing the extremist communists.
Sushanta Lama
Montreal Canada, via-email
