LETTERS (Spotlight Weekly)

Yes, Economy First

In the changed global context, economic issues should take the front seat in the foreign policy. Especially in underdeveloped third world country like Nepal, economic development should be the primary objective (Search For New Thinking Spotlight July 28). In that light, the Prime Minister's visit to India this time should also pay heed to these changing trends. Instead of being trapped in the past issues, the Nepalese leaders now should set the tone for future prosperity.

Kamal Acharya
Kopundole

Warm Up

The relations between India and Nepal have unusually cooled down in last few months (Search For New Thinking Spotlight July 28). This is undesirable in the interest of both the neighbors. Whatever the situation, there is no doubt that Nepal and India have to survive together. As geographies cannot alter, there is no escape to building good friendship. The relations between the two countries should be based on respect for each other's sovereignty. The visit by PM Koirala should, therefore, focus on warming up the chilled atmosphere.

Dinesh Shrestha
Patan

High Hopes

Hopes are high about the Prime Minister's Delhi tour (Search For New Thinking Spotlight July 28). This could be Koirala's toughest litmus test yet. Although he, himself, has requested not to expect much, Koirala will not be able to escape the hopes of people. Whether this visit will be meaningful or just a pilgrimage will also determine Koirala's political clout.

Prakash Shrestha
New Baneshwor

Health At Stake

The mounting problem of garbage has left the residents of capital valley numbed (Nowhere To Dump July 21 Spotlight). As cases of cholera and other water-borne diseases are spreading, who will be responsible in case it reaches to epidemic proportion. Are the authorities listening? Do they realize that their inaction is inviting an outbreak of major kind?

Upendra Singh
Kalimati

Embrace The IT

Phrases like cyber business, e marketing, e commerce are gaining popularity day by day (Knocking At The Door Spotlight July 21). For a land-locked country like Nepal, the opportunities thrown open by the internet is immense. It effectively flushes out the geographic constraint that has been haunting the Nepalese business sector. India has made a tremendous progress in Information Technology. We should learn lessons from our neighbor's experience and use it for our own good. Potentials are manifold, there is just a need to tap them.

Navin Sharma
Balaju

Long Awaited

The government did a good thing by bringing out the much-awaited foreign aid policy (A Good Beginning Spotlight July 21). Despite the reports that there are many weaknesses in the present policy, the government deserves a praise for at least drafting it. It is expected that in the days to come, the government will make necessary amendments to the policy to suit the changing times.

Nirmal Acharya
Chabahil

Delayed Move

It is shameful as well as unpardonable for a democratic country to be entertaining the human slavery system. In that light the recent government decision to abolish Kamaiya or bonded labor system can, at best, be termed as a delayed decision (Shackles Taken Off July 21). About the issue what the newly freed Kamaiyas will do now, it should be noted by all that freedom is the basic and most important thing. So it is illogical to say that Kamaiyas were better off working for their landlords. Definitely, it is now the job of the government to help rehabilitate the Kamaiyas.

Sundar Poudel
Satdobato