Your translations of articles from the Nepali press are helpful for not just the only-English readers who have keen interest in contemporary Nepal but the selection is useful for even those who read Nepali. Your translations of two items 'Premier tantrums' from Kantipur and 'Media bashing' from Samaya (#225) reflect the prevalent attitude of politicians and the security forces towards the fourth estate. Prakash Pokhrel who was abused by soldiers in Argakhanchi has rightly cited that if the RNA can behave in such a manner with journalists what would its attitude be towards civilians? In the meantime, the prime minister takes every opportunity to criticise journalists for not aiding the government. Of course, there may be some in the media who are sympathetic to the Maoists. The PM, more than anyone else, should understand that journalists are neither completely for the state nor for the Maoists. They are for the people. Pokhrel raises a few questions: how can one keep quiet against such brutal acts? Is reporting such atrocity an endorsement to the Maoists? But not reporting the incident would also mean endorsement of state atrocities.

Milan Gurung, email