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| LETTERS |
Terror Strikes The latest series of Maoist violence has
forced the government to declare the state of emergency in the country ( A State Of
Emergency SPOTLIGHT November 30 ). The government has done good by terming the Maoists as
terrorists. Just as the government was showing signs of flexibility in its talks with the
rebels, the latter single-handedly withdrew from the talks for no specific reason and
launched heinous attacks against the security forces. Unfortunately, the coming days are
going to be very sad and difficult for every patriotic Nepalese. Everybody is hoping that
somehow the violence stops and peace returns to this mountain kingdom. Kiran Thapa Car Bazaar The cover story "Driving In A Buyer's
Market" (SPOTLIGHT, November 23) provided a glimpse into the burgeoning car market in
the country. Surely for a country this small, the number of models available is
outstanding. It is indeed a buyer's market with the manufacturers trying to outdo each
other in luring the consumer. The sleek models of cars running through the crowded city
thoroughfares are testimony to that. Hopefully, the price of cars would come down
considerably, allowing more people to enjoy the ride. Krishna Shrestha Misplaced Priority Though the cover story "Driving In a
Buyer's Market" (SPOTLIGHT, November 23) made for a good read, it was clearly out of
place. At a time when the country is facing manifold economic, social and political
problems, choosing such a story reflects misplaced priority. The percentage of Nepal's
population that can afford to buy car is very small. The story did not deserve to be
highlighted so much. There are better and more pressing issues of national concern than
cars. Sanjiv Bista Affordable To Middle Class It was only after the Indian joint venture
cars started to come that the Nepalese middle class could afford the luxury of owning
family vehicle ("Driving In a Buyer's Market", SPOTLIGHT, November 23). Earlier
when there were only expensive Japanese models available, only a handful of affluent
people had cars. But now increasingly even the middle-class people are buying them. This
is a very good development. The authorities should also allow Chinese cars into Nepal so
that prices come down, making it possible for more Nepalis to buy them. Shikhar Rai Liberalization Gains The growth in vehicle sales points to the
rising middle-class population in the country ("Driving In a Buyer's Market",
SPOTLIGHT, November 23). This is a good sign for the country's economic development. The
expansion of the middle class suggests that the policy of economic liberalization adopted
a decade ago is bearing fruits. If the positive results of this policy is widened and
distributed evenly, the country can effectively deal with its persistent problem of
poverty. Rita Tamang Trade Talks The deadlock in the Nepal-India trade talks
is taking an ominous turn, as less than a month remains for the treaty's renewal
("Coming Closer?", SPOTLIGHT November 9). The two countries should resolve their
differences quickly to avoid any unwarranted delay. India needs to show magnanimity,
although it has the right to voice its grievances. On the other hand, the Nepalese side
needs to seriously take up genuine Indian grievances. Hikmat KC Words Speak Louder Apropos the encounter with Nepali Congress
General Secretary Sushil Koirala (SPOTLIGHT, November 9), it is strange to see him asking
the government to act tougher against the Maoists. Why does Koirala forget that when he
and his uncle, Girija Prasad Koirala, were at the helms of affairs, they could not bring
the rebels to the negotiating table. Now that Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has done
so, they are accusing him of wobbling his legs. Such double standards have ruined Nepal's
political system. Although there is ample room for criticizing Deuba, the Koirala duo have
no moral standing to do so. Devesh Karmacharya Interesting Comparisons The comparisons you drew between the
British Gurkha soldiers' and Gulf laborer' families were quite interesting and revealing
("Changing Order", SPOTLIGHT, November 9). Financially, the British Gurkha
soldiers are far better off than their compatriots working in Gulf states and other
places. Furthermore, the soldiers enjoy greater social recognition and status back home.
However, we should not overlook the fact that Nepalese laborers abroad have been serving
their motherland well by earning precious foreign exchange. There is an urgent need to do
something to improve their living conditions as well. Sabita Shakya |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
