Shiva Gaunle has done an excellent job in 'Kathmandu Connection' (#156) exposing the new and thriving business in human trafficking through the Nepali capital. Innocent travellers are paying a heavy price for it at different international airports because of human trafficking, rampant counterfeiting and tampering of passports, and blatant corruption. Because the shameful trade enjoys political protection from the likes of Khum Bahadur Khadka and Salim Miya Ansari, many Nepalis suffer. It is because of them that Nepalis continue to face humiliating checks and re-checks at various international aiports. There is a well-knit nexus between the trafficking mafia and politicians who exploit the vulnerable. This matter needs aggressive and constant follow-ups, and monitoring from Kathmandu's emerging and vibrant press. Or else it will be a case of said and done.

Surendra Phuyal,
Pittsburgh, USA

. Was it deliberate on your part to carry the story of corruption at Kathmandu airport immigration allowing human traffickers and passport counterfeiters (\'Kathmandu connection\', #156), with the profile of Nepal's most honest cop, Bimala Thapa ('Bimala's beat')? The answer to the question of controlling these crimes is obvious. Give more police officers like Thapa the freedom to nab the crooks, send them to jail and keep them there.

Bijaya Dhungel,
Kathmandu