I find CK Lal's criticism of us as scare-mongering, badly-informed journalists a little rich ('Getting the story straight', #163). Firstly, the quote he homes in on: "it could all go up in flames" is, as you know, taken from the column "Strictly Business" by Ashutosh Tiwari published in Nepali Times (#160). Secondly, the idea that he could write accurately about my poor skills as a reporter when he, er, failed even to contact the central figure in his thesis (me) or any of the people I interviewed, displays an extraordinary hypocrisy and, as any media professional should know, is a fundamental violation of the basic journalistic tenet known as 'checking'. Pots and black kettles anyone? Finally, as for parachuting in, yes, I am based in Delhi, but shall continue to keep a very close watch on developments at this tragic time for Nepal and 'parachute in' as often as I can.

Alex Perry
South Asia bureau chief, Time Magazine

. CK Lal's views were thought provoking. The Time magazine article was a little tacky, if not a confused man's remarks portrayed as every Nepali's dilemma. Most Nepalis have more on their minds than worrying that the glitter from past glory is gone or that their palaces will be bombed during an event, causing more embarrassment than destruction. Fear for one's security is foremost in every Nepali's mind, but we go about our business, leaving the fear at the back of our minds more out of helplessness than choice. Like everywhere else in the world, we have become experts at that. What the heck, maybe all is not yet lost. Our culture, tradition and modest ways may be our salvation.

Jyoti Singh,
Kathmandu

. Somebody needed to trash Alex Perry, and who else but our very own CK Lal. Nobody could have done it better. When I read 'Living on the Edge' in Time, I didn't quite get the Edgar Allan Poe feel. People are trying to get on with their lives and if Club Platinum is opening or if Miss Nepal went on as planned-I didn't see the need for Perry to have such a holier-than-thou attitude about it. This is an irresponsible scribe who looked for sensationalism, and by filing a cute story he endangered Nepal's fragile economy. Three pages of his one-sided story gives no hint of hope, and has done much harm to Nepal and Nepalis.

Abhaya Subba Weise,
Kathmandu

. CK Lal does not understand that he is giving all the people he pokes fun at in his columns a huge compliment. Who else could he satirise? Not the man-on-the-street, for that would be degrading cruelty. Writers can only poke fun at prime ministers, famous authors, great artists, famous movie stars and those who can afford to live in Budhanilkantha. All the victims of Mr Lal's venom should understand that he is actually doling out praise in his characteristically embittered manner. It is the only way he can get the bile out of his system.

S Singh,
Kathmandu