September 09 2005

The cover story about the issue of development was very analytical “MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS: Caught Amid Conflict” (SPOTLIGHT September 2). You have convincingly argued how the exacerbating conflict has had an adverse effect in the development process and consequently hindered in attaining the millennium development goals. You have also discussed why the MDGs are essential for the reduction in the gaps between the haves and the have-nots in order to avoid conflict in the long-run. It is high time that the parties to the conflict understand the necessity of development and leave the development projects unhindered because of their war.

Gloomy Picture

The cover story presents a gloomy picture of the present and a pessimistic future “MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS: Caught Amid Conflict” (SPOTLIGHT September 2). The latest political scenario and the modus operandi of the King makes us feel even worse in that most people fear the problem of political instability might prolong for years now. The King seems to be fortifying the institution of autocratic monarchy. Unfortunately, the people he has hired to run the government are mostly unpopular figures and without any expertise in administration. At such times, it is difficult to expect any changes in the near future, except for those who can make their fortune in their own right. The millennium development goals, too, are far away, with this political situation.

Sabin Bhatta
Sukedhara

Not Much To Expect

The eleventh convention of Nepali Congress was viewed with great expectations by all sectors “NC’S ELEVENTH CONVENTION: Divisive Trend” (SPOTLIGHT September 2). However, with the victory of Girija Prasad Koirala for third consecutive time, we cannot expect much changes in the organizational structure and practices within the party. Most of the elected members of the central working committee are the same old faces, many of them tainted with charges of corruption and the same heads that have failed to produce any creative idea for party and social reforms. To make the matter worse, the grip of the Koirla camp has become stronger. Although, the congress has done a laudable job by withdrawing its commitment to the constitutional monarchy by amending the party statute, the democracy within the party - the convention has shown- is still not imminent. And without it, it is not easy to revive its ruined image among the public.

Haribol Khadka
Samakhusi

Not A Leader

I read the interview of Sujata Koirala “I Follow The National Reconciliation Propounded By B. P. Koirala And Girijababu’s Ideology” (SPOTLIGHT September 2). I enjoyed going through it, not because of her insights, but because of her persona as I have perceived it. In this context, I would like to put my point of view through this magazine. Sujata, in my opinion, is not a leader in her own right. I am not questioning her leadership quality, but we should all agree that she does not deserve the media attention and the attention of party workers she is getting now. Since she has won the post of central committee member through an election, it would probably sound foolish to say that she does not deserve the post, but I would like to question the convention delegates if they voted for her honestly from their heart.

Birodh Hada
Bhaktapur

Irrelevant Debate

The debate on monarchy or republic is completely irrelevant as you have written “MONARCHY OR REPUBLIC: Irrelevant Debate” (SPOTLIGHT September 2). However, I have a different opinion about monarchy than the way you have projected. Looking at the hundreds of years of history of Nepal with monarchy never doing good for the people, I see no reason why the people should be shouldering monarchy.

Good Analysis

You have analyzed well the profit that can be earned from trade with Tibetan Autonomous Region “TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS REGION: Way To Prosperity” (SPOTLIGHT September 2). In fact, Tibet is the traditional trade partner of Nepal and the descendents many Nepalese, who had gone to Lhasa for trade hundreds of years ago, are still there. Even today, there are many business prospects with Tibet. It is more beneficial these days as China is one of the largest economies of the world.