LETTERS (Spotlight Weekly)

Introduce Specific Programs

Apropos your cover story "In Search Of An Identity" (December 1-7), it is clear that we need to have specific programs targeted to adolescents in order to guide them properly through this complicated phase of their lives. As people of this age group are very sensitive, proper programs could help in bringing down problems related to HIV/AIDS, early-age pregnancy, reproductive family health and others.

Bishnu Adhikary
Sanepa

For Preventive Action

Developed countries around the world have already started formulating plans and programs specially designed to cater to the needs of their adolescent population. In Nepal, people of this age group are still searching for their identity. Adolescents here find themselves out of touch with mainstream society. This absence of a sense of belonging leads to problems like alienation and frustration, which in some cases lead to drug abuse. If we believe in preventing such ills from affecting our society, we have to develop special plans to steer our adolescent population in the right course.

Jayanta Kafle
Satdobato

Venomous Statements

As a Nepali citizen, I was dismayed to read your interview with Nepal Sadbhavana Party’s Rajendra Mahato ("Nepal Must Protect Indian Interests", November 17-23). The contents of the interview are highly objectionable and can be termed as subversive (possible revolt by the Terai region against major political parties of Nepal). The sole intention of Mahato is to propagate his misconceived policies of making Nepal subservient to Indian interests. This is more than evident from the title of the interview itself. It is needless for me to remind readers about the arm-twisting tactics India has employed over the years to achieve its objectives of making Nepal its exclusive backyard. What my worthy representative has called a stalemate was a virtual economic blockade aimed at strangulating Nepal leading to its Sikkimization. Even today, there is a growing concern in Nepal about Indian designs. The overwhelming sentiments for preservation of our independence were recently expressed over the BBC website question. Similarly, on the issue of the open border, which Mahato says will be beneficial to the Nepalese people, almost 85% of the people indicated their preference for the regulation of the Nepal-India border in a recent opinion poll. In the modern world, where there is a need for regional integration and beyond, Mahato says Nepal can survive by ignoring other countries but not by ignoring India. Can we ignore Japan, a big donor, or the United States, the sole superpower, or China, our neighbor who is also contributing to our economic development. Let me ask Mahato about the development assistance India has provided without tilting profits in its own direction. I have serious problems with benign references to common history and geography. To me, this history is reminiscent of unequal treaties and a reminder of continued Indian bid to economically suffocate Nepal. Would a sensible Nepali consider the Kalapani issue, Kodak problem, Mahakali controversy and several instances of Indian high-handedness friendly acts? I leave it to the best judgement of the readers and the conscience of every patriotic citizen of this country.

Kalpana Ghimire
Kathmandu

Encourage Cricket

Nepalese youngsters have shown great promise during the ACC Trophy held in Sharjah ("How Is This?" November 24-30). And that, too, without the government giving much attention coaching and training them. It is ironical that the sports authorities are not paying attention where it is due. Promotion of cricket could yield rich dividends to the reputation of the country. Besides, there is a stark need to overhaul the present Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). Professionalism and transparency should be allowed to prevail in this association, too.

Ramesh Khadka
Dhobichaur

Will The Govt Act?

Many books can be written on the mismanagement and abuse of resources in the public sector in Nepal ("Plugging The Loopholes", November 24-30). The government even formed a commission to look into these instances and recommend ways to overcome them. The commission has already submitted its interim report, which is filled with plausible recommendations. But it is still unclear whether the government will implement these recommendations. And this is the real point.

Narayan Shrestha
Maharajgunj