No Safety Nation | Readers Write

Though not a writer, recent incident has left me shocked and forced me to express myself. Never had I thought that such a day would come in the history of Nepal, where teachers are given a place next to gods and worshiped for imparting knowledge, that they themselves would commit such a heinous act. But the incident of 23 June, that revealed a teacher as the prime suspect of the murder and mutilation of 17 years old Khyati Shrestha horrified me.

After this incident, I wonder if any student will ever have faith on a teacher again. Teachers are the strongest influence on young minds and if a person who holds this responsibility is a criminal, how can a student feel safe at school?

Youth, like we all know are the future of the country. But without safety how can they learn and develop into complete individuals. No one is safe, news of kidnapping, murder, extortions are becoming wide spread in today's Nepal, highlighting the state of lawlessness in the country.

Everywhere you turn there is some news about some crime that took place somewhere. Television, newspapers, radio - all have at least one story about criminal act everyday. Cases of abduction from streets and schools are news of no surprise when kids are being abducted from the own homes. How are we going to survive this insecurity?

Few years back it was the lack of opportunities that caused students to study abroad but now the issue of safety too seems to have been added to the list. Not only is the lack of security turning many into pessimists but it is also increasing the brain drain with more and more students opting for education out of the country; indeed, Nepali youths, will more so now, see no option but to leave the country in the name of study.

Once known as a 'peace zone,' Nepal today is an arena for murders, rapes and abductions. As if the decade long conflict wasn't enough. If this continues, we the youths, will become more and more helpless. Certainly, there are ways to improve the current scenario. I still have hope like my friends do and most of the youth do. I urge my friends to come together to voice against these atrocious acts.