Kudos to the Nepali government for its restraint, despite attempts by political saboteurs to destroy the state. These are just political thugs who defied a ban on rallies in Kathmandu to continue an illogical protest to waylay elections. I am surprised that only 300 people were arrested and 50 injured as I had expected far more. The irony was that the rioters were shouting "Down with autocracy, we want democracy!" Freedom for what: to burn tyres, hurl stones and destroy buildings and vehicles, force the closure of businesses, indirectly sidetracking and destroying the economy of the state that depends so much on tourism? I was in Kathmandu in December for the fifth time and witnessed the abuse of these political rascals who under the slogan of democratic reforms deprived people of their freedom. We can't have western styled democracy that is being exported all over-there are enough examples from South America to the Middle East to show its failure. Why can't Asia or others have their own form and concept of democracy carved out of their own domestic culture and interpretation? We were sad to see how students were manipulated by corrupt politicians and others causing public disorder and putting tourists in harm's way. His Majesty King Gyanendra had to take power because the previous administration failed to fight corruption or contain the long-running communist insurgency. I believe it when the army says the communist rebels planned to use Friday's rally to launch attacks. I support Home Minister Kamal Thapa ('Back to February First', #282) who stated quite rightly that they had to act to protect the people and maintain peace and tranquillity. What many in Nepal are not aware of is that there is far more democracy there today than in many other countries that call themselves democratic.

Dr Jacob George,
Malaysia