I was saddened after reading the Special Editorial on your online edition 'Don't play with fire' (#277). There were finally hints of a smile on the face of Nepalis, the country was moving in the right direction after the king's takeover. But the Nagarkot massacre made all hope drain away. The country is already in such a mess, why do the political parties want to make it worse? They want to use any excuse to go after the government. They are pouring oil into the fire when their role should be to put it out. Is this what they are going to do when and if they ever come back to power? They aren't giving the people too many reasons to support their anti-king agitation. And, as you point out, the army must also act swiftly to find out who the culprit(s) are and never repeat such a tragedy again. The government also has to assure the people that it will conduct a fair investigation and take strong action and compensate the families. Last but not least, please fix the country so we can find work at home and we don't have stay away.

N B Shrestha,
Japan

. Two outstanding editorials 'Don't play with fire' and 'Monkey wrench' hit the nail on the head during these tragic times. This is journalism at its very best, and most courageous. But despite your exhortations, the palace is still working at driving a wedge between the parties and the Maoists. This won't work because things have moved too far. First, what better offer is the king going to make to the Maoists: better than what they got from the parties, even if the latter are not the government and don't control the army? Second, why would the Maoists risk losing the successful transition they have been so remarkably making towards respectability, with both the public and the international community? Third, and probably most significantly, why would they antagonise the Indians who are now decisively engaged? I'm afraid the three prominent politicos you mention, Kamal Thapa, Narayan Singh Pun and Keshar Bahadur Bista are being used yet again and will be ruthlessly discarded when they have served the king's purpose.

Rabi Chhetri,
email

. The army chief Gen Pyar Jung Thapa must bear moral responsibility for the Nagarkot massacre and resign immediately or the king must ask for his resignation. If the current regime wishes to establish some credibility and moral standing, this is an opportunity to prove it.

D B Mahat,
email