September 16 2005

The cover story “A Week That Changed The History Of Nepali Congress” (SPOTLIGHT September 9) has provided an insight into the machinations that were played resulting in the party making a significant-yet-dangerous departure from its long-held policy. It showed the gullibility of Nepalese political forces. And the growing appearance of dangerous design to completely destabilize the country. The story also indicated that the days to come could be difficult for the oldest nation in the South Asian region. Let wisdom prevail in our political actors before it is too late.

Krishna Bista
Sanepa

NC’s New Course

The eleventh general convention of the oldest political party of Nepal , Nepali Congress has exposed two mutually contrary results “A Week That Changed The History Of Nepali Congress” (SPOTLIGHT September 9). While it has overwhelmingly supported the party’s revolutionary policy to take the first step towards complete democracy by deciding to remain mute on the issue of monarchy in the preamble of its party statute, it has elected the same old faces that are known for their status quo modus operandi. The people who raised the issues for the first time have lost the elections. It seems that the party workers of Nepali Congress put personal relations above their ideologies.

Nutan Dharel
Bhainsepati

Laudable Decision

I read your cover story thoroughly and found that I have a different point of view from what you have written “A Week That Changed The History Of Nepali Congress” (SPOTLIGHT September 9). In my opinion, the decision that congress took during this general convention is very laudable. In fact, such a course was long overdue for the party. There is no logical argument to justify the necessity of monarchy in the modern era. Nepali Congress itself had conceded it. During its first general convention fifty years back, the preamble of the party statute had stated that ‘although, there is no logical argument to support the monarchy in the twenty first century, for now we will have constitutional monarchy’ as one of the agenda of the party. It is not strange, but too late, that the party has taken this course.

Babin Dhungana
Naikap

Good Interview

The interview with Junko Sazaki was very insightful “MDGs Cannot Be Achieved If Questions Of RH Are Not Squarely Adressed” (SPOTLIGHT September 9). As she has stressed, to achieve the Millennium Development Goals it is extremely necessary to address the issues of reproductive health. It is essential to educate the adolescents, particularly in the semi – urban and rural areas about reproductive health and all organizations working in the health sector should focus on this issue.

Rudra Bhantana
Thamel

Encouraging Interview

The interview with professor Edward McMahon was very encouraging “It Is Entirely Possible For Democracy To Take Root Here In Nepal ” (SPOTLIGHT September 9). As McMahon has said, if the political parties have a clear road map and the people have a zeal for their country, democracy can be established and flourish in Nepal. Democracy is not a flawless system. A renowned scholar from the west has said, “democracy is the worst system, but it is the best among those ever practiced.” But the beauty of democracy is that there is a system in which everything can evolve depending upon the past experiences. In a way, there is a periodical review for everything and the right and wrong are ultimately judged by the collective effort of the citizens. It is they who etch their future and when that happens, even if the result is not desirable they tend to remain happier than in an imposed regime. Because it is human nature to be content with the consequences of one’s own decisions. It would be wiser for the current rulers to let the people decide their future for themselves, before they rise for their rights.

Kumar Joshi
Lazimpat

Lets Be Optimistic

Looking at the past experiences, I agree with your suspicion that the ceasefire called by the Maoists could be a tactical move “MAOIST CEASEFIRE: A Tactical Move?” (SPOTLIGHT September 9). It is evident that they have used the previous ceasefires to re-establish people’s image on them and to re-energize their party workers. Now too, their armed forces have been very weakened by the persistent operations of the security forces. So, they could have done a ceasefire to reinforce themselves. However, whatever may be the motive behind their move, we should welcome it. Because ceasefire in itself is a laudable move. And lets be optimistic that this ceasefire will not be breached and will be extended.

Rita Upadhyaya
Baneshwore

Reciprocate The Ceasefire

It is very stunning that the government has not taken the Maoist Ceasefire positively and has not reciprocated the move “MAOIST CEASEFIRE: A Tactical Move?” (SPOTLIGHT September 9). The intention behind the ceasefire is another thing. But the government should have welcomed the ceasefire and encouraged the Maoists to come for the talks. If it wants its people to live in peace, the government should immediately announce the ceasefire from its side and take initiations for a tri-partite talks with the Maoists and the political parties.