I have trekked and climbed in your country four times in the last two years. As a foreigner, I do not believe I have the right to comment on the governance of your country, as this is for you to decide. However, I do believe that the criminal action of the Maoists against tourists cannot be forgotten or condoned. In a recent trip to the Rolwaling valley, my group was demanded Rs 4,000 per person by Maoists. My subsequent enquiries lead me to believe this was not an isolated incident. These actions in no way enhance the political claims of the Maoists that they represent the repressed and underprivileged sections of the community. Rather, they are illegitimate actions of criminals that will directly impact the already depressed tourism industry. Actions like these will galvanise international opinion against their claims, regardless of their merit.

Trevor Bennett,
Australia