Living in Kathmandu, we are largely unaware of the harsh realities that exist in rural Nepal. It is a tragedy that most of us in Kathmandu seemed to be more worried about the festive hangovers than the dire state of the country as Daniel Lak points out in 'Vale of Forgetfulness and Unreality' (#175). The human right violations, constant fear of extortion, hardball interrogations have deterred even the few concerned ones that want to explore the situation outside the Valley. Nepali Times deserves appreciation and applause for updating readers with fair and balanced news about the insurgency affected areas and the insurgency affected people throughout 2003. Your political timeline (#176) manifests the fear, insecurity and frustration that have invaded our lives in the last year. We have been trapped inside a triangle, cornered on all threepoints by three separate powers. The mysterious, carefree and self-centered attitudes of the political leaders have taken us as far as getting humiliated by the media of the neighboring country: an Indian daily posting a survey poll to question Nepal's independence. Even your best case scenario of ceasefire and parliamentary elections, Maoists included, is not a guaranteed sign of improvement. What is the guarantee that the political leaders will not misuse their powers once again? We need visionary leaders to guide us out of this hellish triangle: leaders who understand the sentiments of all Nepalis, leaders who are determined about the country's development and not just passionate about ruling. Here in Kathmandu we may have food and shelter, but like many people of rural Nepal, we remain clueless about the future of the country. This is a bad disease inflicted on us by the non-performing powers in the country.

Manishi KC,
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