The only reason the general public supported the seven party alliance was in the hope that it would bring peace and prosperity. The parties seem to be doing their best to restore peace and prosperity. But their best is not nearly enough. Their negative approach that seems to be motivated by revenge against the old regime rather than reconciliation and inclusive economic development (Editorial, ''Guns and slogans', #297). This vengeful approach may further alienate certain sectors to conspire against democracy. The idea is to include and positively motivate all, even those who supported royal regime, to back the changes. Playing to the mob on the street shows a lack of political maturity and statesmanship. Punishing civil servants, including police and soldiers who were just following orders of the royal regime reeks of vendetta. The parties should refrain from using this time to settle political scores and not repeat the mistakes committed by the royal regime which lead to its downfall. The party leaders should lead by example and with positive thinking provocative and unwise statements may just incite more violence.

Rajeeb L Satyal,
email

. Recent post-loktantra events surprised me. Doctors were beaten up in Butwal and Kathmandu. Then there is the Swayambhu incident. It is clear that with democracy people are asserting themselves but vandalism and gratuitous violence makes a mockery of the pro-democracy movement which was characterised by a lack of vandalism. It was peaceful demonstrations that gave the movement the moral power and political legitimacy.

Siddhartha Yadav,
email