LETTERS (Spotlight Weekly)

Kidney Failures: Major Problem

You have rightly pointed out that kidney failures has emerged as a major public health problem in Nepal (Spotlight Dec. 22-28). It is very heartening to know that out of annual reported cases of nearly 2500 kidney failures, our health institutions can treat only 100 person. That too at a cost not affordable to many Nepalese. It is high time the government introduced health insurance system as practiced by some premier health institutions in Nepal. It is the duty of the government, private sector and public in general to see that quality health services are available in the country at affordable prices.

Suniti Shakya
Bangemudha

Valid Points

The interview with senior advocate Kusum Shrestha ("Constitutional Amendment Not Needed Yet," December 1-7) has raised some very valid points regarding the debate on amending the basic law. Shresthaís contention that calls by some political parties for an amendment is not the outcome of serious deliberations is very true. The main opposition UMLís call for an amendment is faulty and ludicrous. Definitely, there can be no government or election government that is neutral. Even during the last general election, when the poll was held by a coalition government to which the UML also belonged, there were big allegations of rigging. Therefore, the party's claim that election governments could conduct free and fair polls falls flat on the ground. It is a pity that a responsible party like the UML is calling for changes in the constitution without studying what its long-term consequences are going to be.

Anil Sharma
Jamal

British Honor At Stake

As a retired British Gurkha soldier, I would like to comment on British Defense Secretary Geoffrey Hoonís interview with Keshab Poudel ("Gurkhas Will Remain An Integral Part Of The British Army", December 15-21). Gurkhas have sacrificed the best part of their lives in the interest of the British Empire. In return, they have received misery and pain.

In World War I, 250,000 Nepali youths fought for Britain, followed by 200,000 in World War II. The contribution of Gurkhas to the British Crown is so immense that it cannot be compared or valued in terms of money.

It is very unfortunate that neither Nepal nor Britain has maintained authentic records of Gurkha soldiers killed or missing during the two great wars. Neither government has officially informed the relatives, some of whom in their 70s and 80s are still waiting anxiously and praying for the safe return of their loved ones. Gurkha soldiers abandoned by the British government have been forced to settle in Burma, Malaysia, Fiji and other parts of the world as second-class citizens.

The US government is taking home the remains of US soldiers killed during the Vietnam War. The North and South Korean governments are trying hard to reunite families separated during the war. Donít the Nepalese and British governments have a moral responsibility to reunite the loyal Gurkha soldiers with their loved ones in their motherland?

The Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen Organization (GAESO) is not only raising the issue of "equal danger for equal rewards" but is also fighting to clear the stigma attached to the Gurkhas resulting from the discriminatory policies of the British government.

The British government continues to violate the Tripartite Agreement, the Race Relation Act 1976 (UK), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By applying the Indian Pay Code to Gurkhas of the British Army, Britain is insulting Nepal, an independent and sovereign nation.

The British government cannot apply two different rates of pay for the same work. We are Nepalis, but this does not mean our blood is any less valuable. We are brown, but this does not mean the Gurkhas do not feel, hurt or remember. To continue pressing the argument of paying according to "their country's standard of living" in today's age is not only embarrassing but is also pure racism.

GAESO is trying to draw the attention of the world to this injustice through the media and national and international conferences. This grievous mistake needs to be rectified. The world is watching what Britain will do for the "loyal and honest Gurkhas". British honor and prestige are at stake.

Yam Bahadur Gurung
general secretary, GAESO
Kathmandu