May 27, 2005

The cover story of this issue painted a very grave situation of the disparity between the rural and the urban youth of the country "RURAL-URBAN YOUTH: Disturbing Disparity (SPOTLIGHT May 20)." The policy planners and the government do not seem to be aware about the problem. The repercussions of such wide disparity might not be evident now, but there is no denying that it will be very harmful for society in the long-term. It is difficult to understand why the government is not serious on this matter.

Harendra Subba
Dharan

Who Is To Blame?

As you have written in the cover story, the rural youths, who constitute majority of the youths of the country, have many challenges and problems confronting them "RURAL-URBAN YOUTH: Disturbing Disparity (SPOTLIGHT May 20)." While the government is responsible to formulate appropriate policies to address these issues, schools and educators that educate the children, parents who groom their children and the youth leaders themselves are also largely responsible for the growing disparity. It is the responsibility of all to do something to improve the situation before it gets too late.

Bhawana Aryal
Lazimpat

More Coverage Required

The cover story on the issue of youth was very informative "RURAL-URBAN YOUTH: Disturbing Disparity (SPOTLIGHT May 20)." This is an important issue, which unfortunately many journalists have chosen to ignore. As youths are the future of the country, and also the major stakeholders of any event that takes place today, their issues should be raised in more detail.

Rabindra Khadka
Rani Bari

Train The Teachers And Parents

Youths have many issues and challenges these days as you have written in the cover story "RURAL-URBAN YOUTH: Disturbing Disparity (SPOTLIGHT May 20)." What kind of person they become depends on how they are molded by their parents and teachers. The root of many of the youth-related problems lies in the lack of good educators and the system of parenting. While the people are slowly becoming aware of the necessity of education, the concept of parenting is still far away. So, if we are to reduce the problems of youths in the coming days, we should train parents about the concept of parenting.

Neera Acharya
Sanepa

Important But Erroneous

The cover story this issue portrayed a clear picture of the difference between the privileged urban youths and underprivileged rural youths "RURAL-URBAN YOUTH: Disturbing Disparity (SPOTLIGHT May 20)." However, the statistics about the population of Nepal and that of the youths were written in two different places and the statistics differed. While writing on important issue like this you should cross check the data and the information so that the readers are not misled.

Geeta Poudel
Maharajgunj

Positive Assessment

The article "Defending The People" (SPOTLIGHT May 13) has properly assessed the role and contribution of our security forces. Even though they have been making ultimate sacrifices to defend their country and countrymen from the menace of terrorism, our security forces have been attracting negative criticisms and harsh allegations of human rights abuses. The world is yet to see any military operation that does not trigger human rights abuses. But what is important is to see whether the abuses are taking place on institutional basis or are being committed by some stray individuals. In our cases, clearly the security forces have expressed unflinching commitment towards protecting the human rights of common people. But, of course, some bad incidents have occurred due to individual negligence. This should not, however, be taken as proof that the security forces are committing institutional abuses. It is only because of the security guaranteed by the army that the human rights defenders and media professionals are enjoying the environment of relative security, which they are exploiting to criticize the same army. It is most easy to preach others.

Gokul Shrestha
Satdobato

Political Impasse

The politics of Nepal is yet to free itself from clutches of confrontational attitude ("Heading Towards Confrontation" SPOTLIGHT May 13). Despite so many problems, the legitimate political forces of the country are yet to come to a meeting point. Strangely, the elements that want to incite the situation and throw fuel to the fire have gained ground whereas the moderate voices are being sidelined. This trend only indicates worse situation in the days to come.