Should we be euphoric about the so-called truce ("Om Shanti", #133)? Will it change the lives of those who struggled in the Panchayat-era, under 12 years of democracy, and the Maoist insurgency? How can a truce called by a system that follows no discernible rules improve our lives? It is difficult to say where real hope lies. Certainly not in a monarchy that squandered 30 years of opportunity to serve these people. Not with the power hungry political parties who still can't get their act together. The present government should be left to what it does best-cutting ribbons at inaugurations. They have yet to put together a negotiation team or an agenda for peace talks with the Maoists. The people should not have to rely on those who extort, terrorise and murder. We cannot have a truce that benefits only Kathmandu and a handful of the elite who have received a lion\'s share of whatever "development" Nepal has experienced. Who will look after the people who are most in need? It will be business as usual until another insurgency. We mustn't keep going around in circles.

Satish Pandey,
Kathmandu