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spotlogo2.jpg (6318 bytes) VOL. 22, NO. 36, MAR 21- MAR 27 2003.

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
Balkhu


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
Hattisar


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
Siphal


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
Battisputali


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
Gairidhara


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
Maharajgunj


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
B.A Second Year, Journalism Department
Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus
Kathmandu


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