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LETTERS |
Prisons, Literally The prisons in our country need immediate
renovation ("Overcrowded Prisons" SPOTLIGHT, March 14). The shabby and
dilapidated buildings with no facilities whatsoever indicate the carelessness of Nepalese
society towards its criminals. Such appalling apathy could become bigger reason that could
trigger crimes in society. Prisoners, too, are human beings and should be treated in
proper manner. Dinesh Bhatta Correction Centers In western countries, prisons are being
replaced with correction centers ("Overcrowded Prisons" SPOTLIGHT, March 14).
Western societies have understood that criminals and convicts need to be corrected so that
they can be reintegrated into mainstream society. But in Nepal, the prevailing mentality
is such that people tend to look at criminals in a negative manner even after they have
completed their sentence. This adds to the psychological trauma of the convicts and they
never really transform into better citizens. Krishna Thapa Little Priority At a time when country is suffering from
several problems like Maoist insurgency and economic recession, hardly anybody is likely
to pay attention to the situation of prisoners ("Overcrowded Prisons" SPOTLIGHT,
March 14). Although no one can discount the necessity of improving our prisons, the time
is correct for indulging in such petty tasks. There is the challenge of building the
nation before us. It is time to develop Nepal. Ganga Basnet Interesting Article You have done a good job by raising an
issue that was under shadows for a long time ("Overcrowded Prisons" SPOTLIGHT,
March 14). Until and unless we begin to treat our citizens with respect and allow them
second chance to improve, we as a society, cannot develop. Examples in the developed
countries prove that social development is must to achieve any just economic progress. The
authorities need to invest in the improvement of prisons and cells around the country.
They should not only carry out physical development of prisons but also introduce reform
in the environment so that prisoners, too, will be able to contribute to society after
they complete their sentence and return back. Jeevan Dhungel British Support The article "Friend In Need"
(SPOTLIGHT, March 7) quite rightly takes stock of continued British support to Nepal. By
appointing Sir Jeffrey James as its special envoy to coordinate international efforts to
restore peace to Nepal, Britain had shown that it is seriously following the recent
developments in Nepal. With such influential and dependable friend backing Nepalís peace
efforts, one can safely believe that the international community will not turn its back to
Nepal come what may. Besides, the appointment coming at a time when Britain is embroiled
in international dispute surrounding US-led war against Iraq, proves that despite their
preoccupations, they will not lower their commitment to what is happening here. Kebal Bista Quake Concerns The article "Ignored Threat"
(SPOTLIGHT, March 7) amply highlighted the importance of putting into place some sort of
disaster management programs. According to experts earthquakes are inevitable in this
region. So, ostrich-like attitude will not put off the danger. Rather we should be
preparing ourselves so as to minimize the extent of damage and destruction as well as loss
of human lives. Shanta Gurung Act Now Your story "Ignored Threat"
(SPOTLIGHT, March 7) vividly portrays the extent of the government's lack of preparedness
for earthquakes and their aftermath. The government's weakness in regulating building
construction is particularly surprising. People are constructing buildings without
permission, as authorities remain mute spectators. On the other hand, the US Embassy is
exhibiting such a high degree of responsibility for American citizens. The role played by
NSET-Nepal is laudable. Since we know how vulnerable Kathmandu is to earthquakes, we
should immediately stop haphazard constructions. The government should encourage people to
build earthquake-proof houses and reinforce plans to minimize casualties and damage in the
event of tragedy. The authorities concerned must be firm in implementing and enforcing
their policies on building construction. The people, for their part, should not just wait
for government action and should start doing our best in the area of disaster
preparedness. Binita Pandey |
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editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |