The Maoists have understandably demonstrated their violence to put pressure on the government to agree to a ceasefire, rebuild morale in their organisation ('Bad blood in Beni', #189). Yet, the political parties are in their usual grab power back do-or-die mode, but mostly it is 'die'. The Maoists have already hoodwinked the Nepalis twice and the parties have been toying with the mass movement for the past year without any result.

It is very surprising none of the political parties, the Maoist or even the columnists and reporters in your paper have credited or realised that it is 'people power' that will ultimately decide the fate of Nepal, its king and parties. It is the common people who fought for the ouster of the panchayat with their life and ushered in the parties to power.

These very people are ignoring the parties in their 'anti-regression' struggle. It is punishment for 12 years of misrule. No matter how well your columnists present their thoughts, views and arguments in very readable articles with sound analysis and foresight, it is the people who finally decide what is right for the country and they cannot be ignored. They will not be swayed by self-appointed opinion-makers or outside powers. The people, in their infinite wisdom, know whom to support, ignore and oppose.

Chandra Man Singh,
Kathmandu