Quote Unquote (Spotlight Weekly)

"There always used to be lathi charge during our agitations in Ratna Park. Surprisingly, the security forces did not react when there was vandalism in media houses, offices of airline companies and Masjid in front of the Royal Palace."

Girija Prasad Koirala, President of Nepali Congress and former Prime Minister.

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"I refuse to condone the violent act perpetrated by the mob for whatever reasons. I also refuse to believe that these mobs acted the way they did out of grief over the killing of innocent Nepalese in Iraq. If the government does not punish the culprits and upholds the culture of impunity, we will have to face even greater problems in the future."

Pradip Giri, political thinker and a leader of NC (Democratic), in Dishanirdesh program in Nepal Television.

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"The political leadership failed to lead the masses and channelize the energy for constructive purposes when the rioting broke out in Kathmandu."

Nilambar Acharya, senior leftist leader and former minister, in Dishanirdesh program in Nepal Television.

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"There is no involvement of authentic Hindus in vandalism and setting fires."

General Bharat Keshar Simha, Chairman of Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh, in Jana Bhawana.

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"How can we be assured of the government's word to give security when it has been unable to provide security at the heart of the capital."

Binod Bahadur Shrestha, President of Federation Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries, on the government's assurances of security to re-open the closed industries.

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"We are heart-broken to hear the news. We had done everything we could to avert this incident."

Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, reacting to the killing of Nepalese hostages in Iraq.

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"Was that buffalo (killed by the Maoists in Rolpa) also a class-enemy."

Bhim Kumari Budha, Assistant Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, in Jana Astha.

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"This (vandalism) is done by external elements who do not like our religious tolerance."

Saiyab Nehal Shah, a Muslim priest of Kashmiri Jame Masjid, at a face to face program, at the Reporters' Club.

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