The royal government, being what it was, may have ordered the two useless, outdated, and dangerous MA-60 planes for the army from China and paid the $5 million advance ('No plane dealing', #309). But why is this new (loktantrik) government not scrapping the deal altogether? Even $5 million will be nothing compared to the potential dangers that these planes pose for the people and the total loss they will cause if ever they are put in service, having no insurance etc. As the remaining payments are being made only now, who is pocketing the $8 million dollars being paid over the cost price-Ram Sharan Mahat, the seven or eight parties, and in what proportion? Bad wine will always be bad, even if it comes in brand new loktantrik bottles.

Rajendra Khadga,
Kathmandu

. Thanks to Suman Pradhan for unveiling the story of the controversial Chinese aircraft deal. I as a taxpayer am disappointed that Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat has sided with the army chief to okay the deal. How much can we lose to protect 'bilateral ties'?

Shiva L Bhusal,
via email

. We are glad to know through your paper that Sharad Chandra Shah is behind the dubious Chinese aircraft deal ('Not plane dealing', #309). Please print some evidence and we will expose him ruthlessly for the people's verdict. Otherwise, we will do the same to you. Somebody is getting away with lots of things and we will not tolerate it anymore.

R. Parajuli,
fax