It seems just another routine Wednesday morning. I am on my way to the domestic airport to catch a short flight to a District to participate in a workshop and meet a partner organisation. The huge snow-capped mountains always at their best at this time of year form an awesome semi-circular backdrop to the Kathmandu valley.

But out on the road there is an eerie feel, at ever junction and bridge groups of riot police are on duty. With their helmets, shields and metre long sticks they look ready for their business. Parked nearby are trucks full of armed police. The country faces another round of political street protest, blockades and the consequent shortages of essential items.

With food prices already rising beyond the reach of many due to world market forces and with all the other daily challenges facing the country, these good and kind people do not deserve a long winter of discontent.

We must re-double our efforts to talk our way out of these situations rather than make the people suffer.