Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Democracy in Nepal

King Gyanendra of Nepal seems to have read the writing on the wall. By asking the seven-party alliance to name a Prime Minister, he has given in to mounting popular pressure. There is a groundswell of opposition against the autocratic rule of the King who has lost whatever little support he had earlier. Repressive measures cannot curb protests for long, especially when there is a mass upheaval against a rule that has no popular support. India should be cautious and refrain from doing anything that looks like interference in the internal affairs of Nepal.

D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore

Cornered by his arrogant behaviour, King Gyanendra could no longer claim the upper hand in Nepal. The people were ready to face bullets for democracy. At this juncture, politicians of Nepal should avoid shortcuts in their anxiety to grab power. They should remain steadfast in achieving the goal of multiparty democracy. The palace, by its autocratic behaviour, has proved that in this age monarchy is an anachronism even to contemplate.

M.K.D. Prasada Rao,
Ghaziabad, U.P.

It is important for India to be seen on the side of the people. It must issue a terse warning to the King and conduct parleys with political parties to restore democracy if the fire in the Himalayan kingdom is to be prevented from spreading to our backyard.

Air Cmde (retd.) Raghubir Singh,
Pune

I am happy India sent a special envoy to Nepal to request King Gyanendra to restore democracy. It is no doubt the duty of a responsible neighbour, which is also the world's largest democracy, to ensure that democratic institutions function in its neighbourhood. I am waiting for India to send its envoy to Pakistan to do the same.

Syed Ahmer Zia,
Aligarh, U.P.

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