M A I L B A G

Need to restore democracy in Nepal

This has reference to H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial “Alone in the palace” (Feb 16). He has rightly said that the political parties, although badly divided, could have been a buffer between the palace and the Maoists, but by cracking down on them the King has removed the buffer exposing himself to greater dangers from the Maoists, his main foe.

Only a few days back, they gave a call for a blockade and traffic strike coinciding with the Feb 13, 1996 start of the Maoists’ bloody struggle to topple the monarchy and install a Communist republic in the kingdom. So the need of the hour is to restore democracy in Nepal expeditiously.

All possible pressure must be exerted on King Gyanendra to restore democracy in Nepal. This will be good for the king and the people of Nepal.

GURDERSHAN SINGH, Chandigarh

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

III

Mr Dua has rightly observed the alarming situation for King Gyanendra in future. We are ultimately judged by what we give to the nation, not by what we got for our selfish ends. By assaulting democracy, the King himself has proved that he has no respect for the good values of democracy. The King has put himself into the mess of the Maoists because of his wrong attitude towards democracy.

NACHHATTAR SINGH, Odhan (Sirsa)

IV

The King has clearly isolated himself in Nepal. Even otherwise, he was not enjoying substantial support of the people of Nepal. India and other European countries should put substantial pressure on the King for restoring democracy in Nepal.

Of course, the King must assess the situation wisely and initiate right steps to tackle the situation in the interest of the people. Otherwise, Nepal will remain isolated and lag behind.

AMAR SINGH, Ambala City

V

Taking advantage of the Maoist insurgency, King Gyanendra has murdered democracy in the country. The monarch is reported to have consulted the US before taking this extreme step. The Press has been gagged and the political leaders of all hues have been put behind bars.

King Gyanendra himself had ascended the throne after the palace massacre in 2001. “The Age”, Australian newspaper, has correctly said: “Political parties will organise against the King’s rule and the royal power grab will fail. Their conviction seems to be linked to the belief that no 21st century country would embrace absolute monarchy”.

Both political parties and common people should also protest vigorously against the rape of democracy in Nepal. The international community too must assert itself in favour of liberty and democracy in Nepal.

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. This is the main reason of the rise of Maoism in the country. Instead of implementing the socio-economic reforms to ameliorate the lot of the poor, the King has suppressed their fundamental liberties and democracy itself.

AMARJIT SINGH, Griffith (Australia)

VI

I agree with Mr Dua’s view that King Gyanendra has isolated himself and his country from his own people, his powerful and reliable friend, India. The King of Nepal ought to understand that the monarchy does not have any future and democracy is the only way out of the present mess created and nurtured by him.

The King is left all alone in the palace. The title of the front-page editorial is apt and suggestive of the deeper realities in the present-day Nepal.

R.B. YADAV DEHATI, Faridabad

Incentives will boost growth It is good news that the government is considering Special Economic Zones with incentives and relaxed labour laws. A close look at the present industrial scenario would suggest that the information technology sector is growing only in some big cities in the country. If incentives are given in particular areas only to states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, the industry shifts to these areas at the cost of other states which suffer from revenue loss and unemployment. To ensure the benefit of industry to all sections of society and for providing employment opportunities to all sections, industries should be set up all over the country. Clearly, incentives and relaxed labour laws will attract new investments in the whole country. These will also create more employment and finally contribute to overall growth. DEEPAK SARAF, Multimelt Steel, Rampura Phul

Truth about Netaji

The report on Justice Mukherji panel having accepted Taiwan’s denial of Netaji’s death due to plane crash at the old Taipei Airport needs a close study because Netaji flew from South East Asia for Far East. He did not reach his destination. Taipei is a small dot on the map. This implies that he could have met with an accident anywhere midway in the Pacific or force-landed at Philippines or Hong Kong.

The truth about Netaji’s disappearance is most vital. The possibility of his death or hijacking by forced-landing by an intrigue engineered by the British imperialism must be ruled out completely for the final settlement of his unfinished but sad story. After all, Napoleon was poisoned to death at St. Helena as was probed very recently for which the blame lies with the British. The Government of India must ensure that the Mukherji Commission dispels misgivings on Netaji once and for all.

SUBHASH BARU, Jammu Tawi

PM’s Relief Fund

Certain parts of coastal India were rocked by tsunami which claimed many lives and rendered many others homeless. The Centre, the states and NGOs have come forward to contribute their mite in cash and kind to provide succour to the victims.

The relief that poured in from various sources run into crores of rupees. More relief is pouring in. The Union Government would do well to monitor the contributions and ensure that the funds reach the victims. The government should make necessary arrangements to provide details regarding the projects undertaken for the rehabilitation of the victims and the amount being spent. By this, the people would be able to know that the donations for the noble cause are being properly utilised.

VINOD JAIDKA, Panchkula