Your editorial ('Beyond Koirala', #305) has genuinely exposed the urgent need to look for a new face to replace the aging leader. At this critical time we cannot afford to have the prime minister run the country from a hospital bed. The same people who once despised him are praying for his recovery because they realise that Nepal will have a serious problem if he dies unexpectedly. The ball is in the Congress party's court and it is time for them to come to their senses and abandon their habit of fighting among themselves for power for the sake of the country and to honour the popular wishes of the people. The king and the parties failed to run the country and are equally responsible for the country's present state. They better respect the people's wishes before it is too late.

Swoyambhu Tuladhar, Geneva

. After Girija, who? (Editorial, #305). This nation of 26 million people has enough potential leaders with vision and statesmanship to meet the challenge of these crucial times. Elections are the only way to find such leaders. If we go back and start selecting the prime minister from the party we will fall into the same old trap. If we are successful, parliament will not be dissolved again and again and the elected prime minister will serve for six years without having to face a no confidence motion every six months.

Shree Shrestha, email

. Your editorial is quite relevant in the present context. The country is at a crucial historical juncture and we need a prime minister who is energetic, dynamic, dedicated, honest and whose vision and mission are progressive as mandated by the historical People's Movement II. The octogenarian, bed-ridden Koirala should have retired from active politics long ago and can't fulfil the aspirations of the people. He is lucky that we have forgiven him and let him lead after the Jana Andolan. Otherwise, he would be remembered as a stubborn, power hungry leader who most of the time promoted not only nepotism, favouritism, sycophancy and deceitful tactics in Nepali politics but also showed no intention of reforming the NC's feudal structure. Now is the time for him to resign from the premiership, not only to save his stature as a statesman but also to allow the country to realise full democracy through constituent assembly elections. We have enough qualified and aspiring leaders in the young generation to take on this historic job.

Tilak Lama, Kathmandu

. The government urgently needs to form an advisory body comprised of military personnel that would provide it advice on matters such as reorganisation of the Nepal Army and liasing with the UN. Its members should include retired military intellectuals and young, in-service tier 2 cadres.

Iswari Pradhan, email

. I am wary of the Maoists' commitment to peace. They are still violating basic human rights, still refusing to return confiscated land, extorting money and abducting political parties' cadres. During their current propaganda campaign, Maoists leaders are happy when their views, articles and opinions are expressed in the media but they threaten those who oppose them. The government did its share by releasing Maoist detainees but what about those held by the Maoists? When will displaced people be able to return to their homes?

Prakash Sharma, email

. I was taken aback reading Maoist leader Badal's interview ('It's everyone's right to rebel', #305). His remarks degrading the UML, especially KP Oli, were really unwarranted and provocative. People expect the Maoists to show a certain level of dignity and shed that repugnant attitude if they wish to join the mainstream. Badal's comments on bahuns are also highly objectionable-such communal slander can only fuel hatred which could create discord, something we do not need right now. Let us not destroy the social fibre in our multi-ethnic society. The Maoists must show restraint and maturity.

Prateek B Raimajhi, email