Reading Min Bajracharya's 'Hearts, minds and haircuts' (#149) we get the impression the security forces are serious about cleaning up their image. But they have a long way to go. People in the far-west are still afraid of the police and the army. In Gorkha, where I was a student, I was often harassed. It's a good start, but they can't wash away the human rights violations with these public relations exercises. The people will want justice. The Maoists' hearts-and-minds programs are working better. But both sides should realise that you don't win peoples' minds by killing them.

Buddhi Pant,
Coventry UK

. After reading 'Hearts, minds and haircuts', I wonder if the Royal Nepali Army really cares about the people, or is it just a pretence? After decades of political ineptness, corruption, irresponsibility and dysfunctional bureaucracy, ordinary people were the least of anybody's concern. The elite leaders and rulers who hide behind the gated fences in Katmandu should learn a lesson in winning the hearts and minds of ordinary citizens. You cannot do politics without the support of the people. I despair for Nepal's poorest of the poor-the forgotten, ignored and disadvantaged.

Roshan Paudel,
Minneapolis, USA