The agreement was signed between a joint secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and activist Khan following continuous dialogue and facilitation efforts. After the agreement, Khan expressed gratitude to the government representatives and human rights defenders.
According to the agreement, the investigation conducted so far into the case related to the alleged abduction, unlawful detention, and killing of Nirmala Kurmi, registered at the District Police Office, Banke, on April 3, will be reviewed and moved forward through the judicial process as soon as possible.
Likewise, the government has committed to conducting investigations through the Lumbini Provincial Police Office into other cases raised by Khan during her hunger strike. If weaknesses are found during the investigation, legal action will be taken against the concerned police personnel in accordance with police regulations. An agreement has also been reached to immediately conclude the investigation into the “offence against public peace” case registered against Khan at the District Police Office, Banke.
It was also agreed that the Nepal Police Headquarters would investigate the role of personnel, including the Chief Superintendent of Police of the District Police Office, Banke, in connection with the case, and initiate action if any negligence is found.
Similarly, an agreement was reached to issue necessary directives to the District Police Office and District Administration Office in Banke to ensure the security of Khan and other women’s rights activists involved in the movement seeking justice for Nirmala Kurmi.
The negotiation team included Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s press and research advisor Deepa Dahal, Joint Secretary and spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs Ananda Kafle, and Additional Inspector General (AIG) Sushil Singh Rathore. INSEC Lumbini Province Coordinator Bhola Mahat and Advocacy Forum Lumbini Province Coordinator Basanta Gautam facilitated the talks.
Those signing the agreement as witnesses included Bhola Mahat, Basanta Gautam, Women’s Rights Forum spokesperson Mohammad Sher Bagwan, Chairperson Man Kumari Gurtal, and member Gita Raidas.
