Rising Problem
After a long gap, it was interesting to read a cover story on economic issue in Spotlight. Rising Costs; Falling Exports and Twin Trouble (Spotlight May 09-15) was interesting as it discussed all important issues regarding the rising cost of food. Thanks to the rising costs of various products, the inflation rate has surged beyond seven percent while the trade deficit has neared Rs.100 billion. This is a very bad sign for Nepalese economy. As all political leaders are more interested on the issue of their own survival, it seem that the rising cost seems to be nobody's concern. Don't our politicians consider economy as an important agenda?
Laxmi Shrestha
Nepal Commerce Campus
Too Much Politics
We talk too much politics and now the time has come to discuss the economic agenda. At a time when the country is facing the sorry state of rising cost and falling exports, concerned authorities must show sincere concern to solve it. The implementation of republic or federalism is secondary matter now than the implementation of sound economic policy to rescue the country from bad shape. After reading the cover story of Spotlight, I came to realize that the country's economy may collapse in case of failing to manage the rising oil price.
Bibek Lama
Jawalakhel
Sorry Situation
I agree with you that the inflation rate has surged beyond seven percent while the trade deficit has neared Rs.100 billion. You are absolutely correct that this sorry situation has emerged at a time when Nepal, along with the entire world, is facing the heat generated by the food shortage and shooting costs of essential food stuffs. Although Maoist leaders have been talking about the need to form their own government, they seem to be unaware about the challenges they are going to face. As the prices of petroleum products continue to rise and US dollar is also going stronger than our own currency, even if CPN-Maoists are given chance to form the government, it is uncertain that they will solve all those problems. The time is now to build the consensus for the economic development.
Sandip Rai
London Via email
Exploitation Of Sentiments
The recent activities of the CPN-Maoists show that they will exploit anti-Indian sentiments to remain in power once they are given opportunity to form the government. This may be the reason why CPN-Maoist leaders have been raising issues like scrapping Nepal-India Treaty of 1950 to regulate Nepal-India open border. Similarly, they have been also raising the issues of border encroachment by India. This way they are trying to prove themselves as a nationalist party. If Maoists want to be in a government, they must give up these kinds of anti-Indian activities. Otherwise, the relations between the two countries will be further complicated. Whether one likes it or not, India is Nepal's neighbor and we cannot change our neighbor.
Shanti Gadtaula
Via email
Issue Of Treaty
Your cover story Right Issue, Wrong Time was very interesting and well-written analysis. It is very strange to see why Maoists raised this issue even before forming the government on their own. As Maoists secured just over 33 percent votes, they don't have much needed parliamentary strength to amend the treaty. If that is their position what prompted them to speak on such sensitive issue? Equally interesting is the quick response from Indian political leaders and diplomats who even backed Maoist stand to amend or scrap the treaty. Because of 1950 treaty, Nepalese have been receiving reciprocal treatment in India. They have to look after all those people who have been living in India and investing their money there. If Maoists want to be in the government, they must act responsibly. Maoists seem to have hangover of anti-India. If Maoists raise such kinds of irritant views, it will serve neither Nepal's interest nor India’s interest.
Kailash Jha
Via-email
Right To Govern
As Maoists emerged as the single largest party, they should be given right to form the minority government. Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have lost the mandate to rule the government and people will not accept them again in power. As Maoist leaders have already declared that they will abide by democratic process, they must be given opportunity to rule. If India, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, which are architects of 12 points agreement, are really honest, they must pave the way to form the Maoist government.
Ajaya Thapa
Via email
