Not certain if losing some trees is a complete disaster, as your editorial states ('Hariyo ban Nepalko dhan', #233). Some pruning was clearly needed to get rid of the parasites living off them: they were beginning to stifle and choke the trees, endangering the very forest.

K Limbu,
Canada

. Although I don't agree with them, I've heard a large number of people in Kathmandu supporting the king's action because the democratic government failed to bring peace. You reflect this argument in your editorial ('Between the lines', #234). It is somewhat understandable but, as they say, it's a bit more complicated than that. Depends on the price of peace, I suppose. That is if the move isn't absolutely counterproductive for the cause of peace to begin with.

Janardan Riddhi,
email

. In his words of wisdom to the international community, Dipta Shah in your guest column ('Reason over reaction, #234) has advised them not to formulate their course of action based on the assumption that a minority two percentage accounts for the collective views of a nation of 24 million. Well, in the present situation, can he provide a suggestion to the international community (or anyone interested to know) how they can really take account of collective views of a nation of 24 million? I agree with Shah that we should take pride in being Nepali. But to be able to do so, CK Lal should be able to conitnue with his column before the nuaran of Ashwini Nepal's baby daughter.

Shah is definitely one of the privileged few who can speak his heart out under the present circumstances. This is the reason that his argument lacks credibility to be given any serious consideration by the international community (or anyone else). If you continue to give space to the likes of Shah and Ranjit Rauniyar ('Give the king a chance', #233) the difference between your paper and Channel Nepal may no longer be relevant.

A Upreti,
Kathmandu

. I agree with Dipta Shah that there has been a serious lack of perspectives on the issue from Nepali citizens who are affected most by the recent political development. But how can they express this when they can't speak out? Although he starts his article with emphasis for the need for a range perspectives, by the end of the article he hardly leaves any space for other views out there. His conclusion that 'there is no honour, no pride in calling ourselves Nepalis' implies it is true only if we agree with his prescription. How honourable is it to support a conflict in which Nepalis are killed at the hands of other Nepalis? Group thinking in a decision-making process by like-minded individuals is far more dangerous than the threat of an adversary.

Sujan Kayastha,
Webster University, USA

. Throughout its 250-year history, the Nepali monarchy has never stood in the way of political reform, indeed it has supported it. It could even be argued that, if the king had been allowed to play a greater role in government over the last 14 years of multi-party democracy, the outcome might have been very different. The mismanagement and corruption espoused by the political parties gave those seeking reform little option other than to resort to violence. The violent response of the government served merely to add fuel to the fire. The last 14 years of misrule in Nepal have led to a political vacuum in which leadership has been sadly lacking. The imposition of royal rule has been welcomed by a population desperate for peace and stability. It is still open to question whether the king will be able to deliver this but at the very least he deserves a chance. Rather than condemn King Gyanendra's takeover on February First, those who claim to be friends of Nepal should provide him with the resources he needs to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict and rebuild his war-ravaged nation. Above all else, the people of Nepal most desperately want to be able to go about their daily lives without fear, confident in the rule of law and under a leader who can rightly claim to represent their true interests. At Losar, let's pray that the Gods will grant our leaders, whether elected or hereditary, the wisdom to reject violence and seek to resolve differences through wisdom and compassion. At last, in Nepal, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Let us give that light an opportunity to shine brightly, healing the wounds inflicted by nine years of war.

Ishwor Gurung,
Pokhara

. The situation in Nepal demands a deep introspection by both the political leadership and the people. What we are facing now is the result of years of neglect on both sides. There is no point in blaming just the political parties for this mess. We the people are as responsible for allowing them to do whatever they wanted without holding them accountable. The leaders are responsible for treating the country like an animal carcass. Now we stare at each other wondering what we should do next. Why not clear the mess and start afresh? Let us begin peace talks with the Maoists then move on to fair elections inculcating a culture of accountability and responsibility.

Bhumika Ghimire,
Dunedin, Florida, USA

. Loved your Page Three Girl ('Ten days old', #235) What a great way to fill the gap left by CK Lal.

T K Singh,
Kathmandu

. Congratulations on your ability to make expunged paragraphs magically reappear on your home page. These past weeks have brought out the creative genius of Nepali journalists.

Marco Gianoli,
email

. Hearty congratulations to you and your dedicated readers on the concern you have all shown for the Valley's greenery. Finally we are beginning to see some concerned commentary on this topic of great environmental importance. But while I am on a congratulatory frame of mind, let me bring to your attention the valiant conservation and recycling efforts being made to reintroduce leopards who have not changed their spots back into the wild. These species have now been rescued from the brink of extinction, a laudable conservation achievement and no mean feat.

Name withheld,
email