Thanks to Naresh Newar for his articles highlighting the plight of the people in Humla (#245). It is very much a neglected and forgotten outpost of the 'hidden Himalayas' as he says. However, over the past 10 years, we as an organisation have tried to make a difference in Humla, constructing health posts, installing micro-hydro units, bringing electricity to the villages, renovating monasteries, training health workers and running health camps in the remote, hidden valleys. And all were done with the participation and cooperation of the villagers. But there's a lot more that needs to be done and we are trying to establish an integrated network of health provision throughout the region, to lift Humla from its abject position on the Human Development Index. Humlis have waited long enough. As for Ujeli Rokaya ('Nothing stops Ujeli', #245), wow, more power to her for her courage and determination! Humla (and Nepal) could do with more people like her.

Sheila Mapson,
Nepal Trust

. It was sad reading the articles 'Cry, beloved countr&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'&#'216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;216;', 'Humla's class struggle' and 'Kasilal's plight', (#245). The arson and slaughter by Maoists of innocent villagers proves that the ideology and principle with which they first began has disappeared. On the other hand, teachers using the Maoists as an excuse to abandon villages and go on holiday has deteriorated the plight of many students. At a time when Kasilal should be playing with his friends and studying, he has to carry 15 kg of rice and consider himself lucky to get it and carry it up those steep hilly trails for three hours on an empty stomach. I don't know who is to blame for the plight of these innocent people but I want to ask the Maoists: how can we understand that you've been fighting for the people? Or has the postmodern world lost the meaning of integrity, love and sympathy? Or is the people's war a mere pretext to gain power?

Milan Gurung,
via email