Is it a curse to be born a Nepali? After reading "Serving life in Bangkok" (#91) and the heartbreaking letter by Puskar KC from Bangkwang, I really feel so. There are so many other Nepali citizens across the globe who are mistreated, exploited and beleaguered. The case of Govinda Mainali is the same. He has been proven innocent, but he still languishes behind bars in Japan. Had our government taken a bold step, he would have come home years ago. Our government may be too poor to give economic support to Nepalis in foreign jails, but it should at least give some moral support and try to get them back.

Binita J Shrestha, Asan

As a new reader, I applaud your human rights article "Serving life in Bangkok" (#91) and would like to make two points regarding Nepali prisoners in Thailand. First, assistance by Christians should never mean "that they have to convert and profess their devotion to Jesus Christ". Jesus came to fulfil unconditionally the prophecy "...to set the captives free" and, although he also said that it is in receiving his word that "...you will know the truth and the truth will set you free," this is out of compassion and not compulsion. Secondly, the tragedy of injustice and neglect for prisoners in foreign jails applies also in Nepal. The sad letter of Puskar KC ("Nima") is similar to accounts by foreigners in Nepal jails who, through foolishness, are lured by unscrupulous drug dealers and receive savage sentences with no foreign embassy support or extradition procedures. We pray to God through Jesus Christ for justice and mercy for all prisoners (of which Jesus himself was one, though totally innocent).

Dr David J Hill,
Pokhara

I was shocked to read about the condition of Nepali prisoners in Thai jails. I was even more shocked to see that the government isn't doing anything to help them.

Dev Rai,
USA

Deputy Chief of Protocol YN Paudel in "Serving life in Bangkok," #91) says Nepalis in Pakistani jails have already served their terms, but can't return because their families can't afford tickets. Me and my friends are ready to form a group to help them get back. Can anyone provide us the name and address of these Nepalis who are in Pakistan and need tickets to return Nepal?

"Mookool"

Editor\'s note:
Royal Nepali Embassy Islamabad nepem@isb.com.sats.net.pk
+92-51-282 8838