Navin Singh Khadka's recent article 'Six hours in hell' (#213) makes extremely critical but persuasive reading on what is means to be a Nepali in the midst of prevalent anarchy. No matter who was responsible for Black Wednesday, reading the article the second time around, brought me personal shame in being a Nepali. It appears no attempt was made to nip the problem on its awakening, difficult though that might have been for a faction ridden and demoralised government administration. In contrast, one must salute the magnanimity of King Gyanendra in receiving the various Nepali Masjid representatives at the palace and sharing his grave concern with them. We hope that the national psyche is rekindled to self-righteous behaviour in future and we will be able to proudly stand up to our international image as peace-loving and secular thinking Nepalis, not romping street hooligans.

Surya B Prasai,
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