CK Lal is one of my favourite columnists. However, in his State of the State ('22 May, 4 October, 1 Feburary', #264) he seemed to be out of touch with reality. Does he still think a republic is yet to come in Nepal? If it's true that 80 percent of Nepal is under Maoist control then it has been a republic for quite some time. Only the remaining section can therefore be considered a kingdom. However, many who say they are republicans have not been able to stay in the republic and have taken refuge in the kingdom. And many republicans in the kingdom have not dared go and reside in the republic.

R R Misra, Lalitpur

. It is hard to believe how easily the Nepali media published aggressive viewpoints (Letters, #264) against those in power, especially if one compares their silence towards Maoist wanna-be dictators and foreign opportunists. When King Gyanendra expanded his cabinet in July 2005 with a number of people of ill repute, it was a matter of surprise to all Nepalis. However, one must really be foolish to believe that Nepalis will be better off replacing the centuries old institutions of monarchy with the likes of Prachanda and Baburam, or authoritarians in democratic garb like Girija Koirala, or crepe diem Madhab et al. While King Gyanendra has to be more selective in his choice of ministers, current political party bosses must admit and apologise publicly for their gross failure to work for the best interest of Nepalis and handover the party leadership to the younger generation. As things stand, the so-called seven party 'movement' is undemocratic, and is bound to fail. The rebel leaders should be brought before the International Court of Justice in The Hague and prosecuted for their atrocities. Mass murders can't become national leaders. And Nepali intellectuals and media should make sound arguments rather than taking an overtly aggressive political tone or rallying behind foreigners.

B Giri, email

. Its a favourable time for all of us to make peace in the country, the latest declaration of a three-month ceasefire by the Maoists must be utilised for paving the path for peace, everybody should seize the opportunity. That is what the Nepali people want, let the past be past and let us live and let live.

Razesh Poudel, email

. Reading 'Joi-poi' in your letters section (#264) I was reminded that a marriage is like a 'Dilli ka laddoo: khaoge to pachhtaoge, nahi khaoge to bhi pachhtaoge'. If a wife doubts the fidelity of her husband or vice versa the marriage is bound to hit the rocks. So the ideal solution to restore conjugal bliss in this so-called marriage is to go for a competent team of marriage counsellors without racial discrimination and with apologies to self-proclaimed rastrabadis.

G Rimal, Nattu Tattu Tole