Economic Concerns
The cover story “Hamstrung Economy” (SPOTLIGHT June 1) shows how the situation of economy has deteriorated sharply. It shows the naked facts that Nepal is moving downhill rapidly. If this rot is not arrested immediately, the country may land in a ditch. Prudent economic policies must be implemented to prevent economic debacle and steer the country out of turmoil.
Ganesh Bista
Dhobighat
Violence Mars Nation
Apropos the cover story “Hamstrung Economy” (SPOTLIGHT June 1), it is clear that the unending series of violence have had terrible effect on the socioeconomic sector of the country. There have been recent reports in news media that there are now nine separate armed groups operating in various parts of the country. Most of them are based in Terai. This is a scary development. When one armed group Maoists were able to wreak such havoc, one can only guess what will happen if all these nine groups start to grow and escalate violence. If that really materializes, we can say goodbye to our economy. Nowhere in the world can economy prosper when there is total absence of law and order. As chaos sets in, investments and capitals will fly. And the people of Nepal will be left high and dry.
Diwas KC
New Baneshwore
Message of Melamchi
The Maoist Minister Hisila Yami has shown that she is able to take stand but now it is high time she demonstrated flexibility (Hamstrung Economy” SPOTLIGHT June 1). Everyone knows that the Severn Trent is not a credible and reliable company. But since the Asian Development Bank wants to see previous agreements honored by the government, Yami should now issue a statement agreeing to let ST come because ADB will otherwise pull out of Melamchi. Given the growing population, Melamchi is a must and Yami also knows it. So lets not jeopardize the whole project just because one company’s credibility is not good. Besides, the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) is already there to monitor and oversee the ST once it starts to manage valley’s water. The KUKL – which is led by government officials and private sector representations – should and could monitor ST and not allow it to repeat failures here. Besides, by so doing Yami will earn political points as well – both by her stand and by her flexibility.
Narsingh Khadka
Baluwatar
Oily Politics
It is actually a matter of tremendous national shame that our Prime Minister has been compelled to beg the Indian ambassador to ask Indian Oil Corporation to resume normal supplies of fuel (Hamstrung Economy” SPOTLIGHT June 1). Adding insult to the injuries, the IOC refused to resume normal supplies. It should be clear to everyone that IOC will not compromise with its commercial interests. And we should stop expecting such concessions. We may be poor but we are self-respecting people. So, let us not beg others to pay for our fuel. Let us educate our people and tell them the utter need to rise the price of fuel. If properly told, Nepali people will be willing to bear additional burden on their wallets.
Jiten Gurung
Sanepa
Bhutanese March
The Long March by Bhutanese refugees (“Long March Cut Short” SPOTLIGHT June 1) marked beginning of a new phase of agitation by the refugees who have been suffering from decade long injustice and inhumane treatment by not only Bhutanese but also Indian authorities. Just like ‘poverty anywhere is threat to prosperity everywhere,’ ‘injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere.’ The wise and prudent leaders of India must see this stark reality and understand the gravity of the problem. They cannot and must not hide behind the ‘bilateral issue’ shield any longer. Look at the injustice and suffering of fellow human beings living in dilapidated camps. These over 100,000 human beings have lost their lives, their land and their hopes. Don’t play with fire. No one should expect that these refugees will continue to bear the problem forever. There will come a time when their tolerance will break and they will resort to armed insurrection. If and when such situation comes, that will be unfortunate to Nepal, Bhutan and India also.
Shiva Thapa
Satdobato
Korean Perspective
The interview of South Korean ambassador Sang-Jung Nam (SPOTLIGHT June 1) provided insight into how South Korean government has been helping Nepal. The ambassador highlighted the importance of signing EPS between Nepal and Korea. Fortunately, recently the parliament passed an amendment bill on foreign employment, which has allowed the Nepal government to sign the EPS. Hopefully, the EPS will benefit more Nepali workers, and also Nepali economy – which is heavily dependent on remittance income.
Komal Joshi
Lagankhel
