Date:24/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/24/stories/2006042402831000.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Democracy in Nepal

It was after much persuasion by the international community, particularly India, and loss of Nepali lives that King Gyanendra announced he was willing to cede power. But the question is will the palace's offer, which is too ambiguous, match the aspirations of the agitating people? Looking at the way the people have denounced the monarchy in the past week, it is clear they have little respect for the King — an unprecedented development in the Himalayan Kingdom. The role of Maoists will be crucial in determining the success of a multiparty democracy in Nepal.

Salil Gewali,
Shillong

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There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel as the seven-party alliance has rejected the King's offer and asked him to reinstate the dissolved Parliament. King Gyanendra should order elections and ensure smooth transfer of power to an elected government.

E. Sivasankaran,
Coimbatore

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With pro-democratic activists refusing to let go, it seems the moment has finally arrived for the monarch to give up. India's gesture as a responsible neighbour — sending a special envoy to Nepal and standing by the people in their hour of need — is praiseworthy.

Himani Gupta,
New Delhi

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Thanks to New Delhi's timely intervention, King Gyanendra has relaxed his rigid stand. But he should do more to give power to the people.

V. Vijayendra Rao,
Neyveli, T.N.

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India's Special Envoy Karan Singh deserves congratulations for persuading King Gyanendra to place Nepal on the road to a multiparty democracy. The King should have recognised the aspirations of the people much earlier, instead of unleashing force against them causing death and destruction. As a concerned neighbour, India should continue to play its role in ensuring that a multiparty democracy takes shape under a constitutional monarchy.

A.K. Tharien,
Oddanchatram, T.N.

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India's tacit acceptance of the Maoists in Nepal can prove dangerous to its security in the long run. It is well known that naxalites are in touch with the Maoists of Nepal. Let us tread the path carefully lest we are forced to rue the consequences later.

M.M. Kale,
Kakinada, A.P.