I was taken aback to read 'Royal tika' that you translated from Jana Astha (#220). It is utterly ridiculous blacklisting police officers for not attending the Dasain royal tika. One can't be forced to attend, people should attend out of their own free will. Why should absent officers be asked to furnish an explanation for not attending? If it is compulsion then this signifies that there is oppression. Even more astounding was the revelation that officers who didn't go to the palace may be penalised by not getting promotions and being transferred. Do promotions depend upon the duty, valour, discipline of the officer or on sycophancy?

Milan Gurung,
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