Letters (Spotlight Weekly)

Our Common Future

Nepal's politics is heading toward confrontation among the three poles: monarchy, mainstream political parties and Maoists ("Calamitous Quest For Confrontation" SPOTLIGHT, November 1). Since none of these poles seems to be working under the same strategy, this confrontation could be long lasting and even merciless. If these poles really want to safeguard national sovereignty and the people, they must join hands based on basic understanding. Otherwise, we may never be able to embrace our brothers and sisters with love and peace.

Manohar GC
Bhainse Pati

Wrong Conclusion

I found your story "Right Man In Wrong Place" (SPOTLIGHT, November 1) very interesting. But I could not agree with your description of Girija Prasad Koirala as the right man in the wrong place. In his 55-year political career, Koirala has firmly stood up against anti-democratic forces. He is among those people who fought their whole lives for the rights we take for granted today. Koirala's actions of the last 12 years represent less than 24 percent of his total political struggle. It is not reasonable to make such a sweeping statement against him.

Man Bahadur KC
Lazimpat

Raise Demand

The Nepalese economy has been suffering from deficiency of consumer's demand and the people spent the Dasain festival under such grim circumstances. ("Crowded Marketplace" SPOTLIGHT, October 11). This season of festival has encouraged sellers and buyers to meet at the market. But one shouldn't be confused. The crowded marketplace is not a symptom of a rise in consumer demand. Moreover, this feature of the economy is only seasonal. Hence, a strict and steady policy to encourage consumers not only to roam the markets but also to spend their income is needed.

Bikram Bista
Satdobato

No Resolve

Environmental degradation in Nepal is reaching the margins of crisis, especially in urban areas. Lack of knowledge and inefficient legal frameworks are among the factors responsible for Nepal's deteriorating environment ("Sensitizing Judges" SPOTLIGHT, October 11). But from our own experience, we know that legal efficiency alone cannot work. Courts have delivered several verdicts on relocating polluting industries from Kathmandu valley, but they hardly have been implemented. This is because of lack of resolve and local people's support.

Mukesh Giri
Balkumari

New Opportunities

It is a matter of pride for Nepalese that relations with Japan have passed a century, beginning from a student program, and many developmental and cultural exchange programs continue ("Centenary of Closeness" SPOTLIGHT, October 4). But time cannot be the only measure of relations between the two countries. We can grab many more opportunities by further improving our international strategies with Japan and the rest of the world.

Raj Bhai Maharjan
Mangal Bazar

SAARC Shadow

The issues of SAPTA and SAFTA are as old as SAARC itself ("Trade Tasks" SPOTLIGHT, November 1). At a time when the existence of SAARC itself is in crisis due to long-running tensions between two its two largest members - India and Pakistan - a free trade zone in South Asia can be little more than a sweet myth. Unless these largest members see benefits in trade, it would be pointless to discuss concepts like SAPTA and SAFTA.

Sandip Adhikari
Balaju

Uncertainty Pays

Despite criticism from the public and human right agencies, Maoists rebels are continuing their horrible acts of terrorizing ignorant and innocent people ("The Uncertainty Pays" SPOTLIGHT, November 1). They are emboldened to do so by the uncertainties gripping those who claim to be working within the constitutional framework.

Kumar Khatiwada
Pokhara

Money Power

The involvement of industrialists in tax evasion through corruption is not something new in Nepal ("Controversial Question" SPOTLIGHT, September 27). Because of the power of their money, they have avoided legal action. We saw another example of this reality when the business community slammed the Revenue Investigation Department's high-handedness in arresting Mahendra Golchha, managing director of Hulas Wires Industries.

Bikash Basnet
Kamalpokhari