The democratic era in Nepal has seen twelve years and twelve prime ministers who tried to lead the nation to the best of their capabilities. But none were successful in solving the bonded labour issue, eradicating poverty, providing proper education, leading the nation towards the path of development, and last but not least, eradicating corruption and the ongoing insurgency.

These few issues have been the common agenda of each politician who led the nation. But nothing changed. Who is to be blamed for all this-the political leaders, His Majesty the King or the people to decide the type of governance they need? There is an end to everything, but not, it seems, for Nepal's political instability. I request politicians not to fight for their personal interests, but team up as one party and lead Nepal out of this grievous situation.

Pravesh Saria,
via email

. In his column "Past imperfect, future uncertain," (#97) CK Lal wrote exactly the way the educated people living inside and outside the country think at this moment. The threat to democracy looms seriously after the irresponsible political leaders of the Nepali Congress have pushed the country to the precipice.

A month ago, when coming here to Europe, a journalist of good repute told me that King Gyanendra invited him for an audience and shared his vision, but didn't listen to what the journalist had to say. I don't think King Gyanendra will act the way his father did four decades ago. People in other parts of the world still look at him suspiciously due to last year's royal carnage. Any bold, but mistaken, step by him will harm him a lot. Today's world is completely different from that of 40 years ago.

Name withheld on request

. CK Lal has unnecessarily dragged King Mahendra's decision to marry the girl of his choice in a political article ("Past imperfect, future uncertain," #96). If Mr Lal is republican, that is all right. In a democracy everyone has a right to have his view. But he has no right to insult the memory of one of the greatest kings in Nepali history. Mr Lal should know that if King Mahendra had not taken the government in his own hands he [CK Lal] would not be a free citizen of an independent kingdom today. The Koirala family is the real enemy of the country and people like Mr Lal should expose their designs to control the country.

N Adhikary,
Lamjung