23-day hunger strike ends
Khan ended her fast-unto-death after officials from the government team reached a consensus and formally addressed her demands.
KATHMANDU: A five-point agreement has been reached between the government and rights activist Ruby Khan, bringing an end to her 23-day-long hunger strike demanding a fair investigation into the alleged abduction, hostage-taking, and murder of Nirmala Kurmi in Banke.
Khan ended her fast-unto-death after officials from the government team reached a consensus and formally addressed her demands.
She was given water by Deepa Dahal to break the fast at the Sanjeevani College of Medical Sciences (Nepalgunj Hospital), where she had been staging the protest in Nepalgunj.
The government negotiation team included Senior Superintendent of Police Suhil Singh Rathaur from Police Headquarters, Joint Secretary and spokesperson of the Home Ministry Anand Kafle, and Prime Minister’s press and research advisor Deepa Dahal. Continuous dialogue held since Monday led to the agreement signed between Khan and the Home Ministry official.
According to the agreement, all investigations related to the case registered at the District Police Office, Banke on April 2, 2021 (2077 Chaitra 20 BS) will be reviewed, and the case will be expedited for judicial process without delay.
The government has also committed to launching a separate probe into other cases raised by Khan through the Lumbini Province Police Office in Dang. If any negligence or misconduct is found among police personnel, disciplinary action will be taken under police regulations.
Similarly, investigation into the “public peace offense” case registered against Khan at the Banke District Police Office will be concluded promptly.
A separate internal review will also be conducted by Police Headquarters regarding the role of senior officials, including the District Police Chief of Banke, and corrective action will follow if irregularities are identified.
The agreement further ensures security arrangements for Khan and other women rights activists involved in the ongoing campaign, with necessary instructions issued to both the District Administration Office and District Police Office in Banke.
The agreement was signed in the presence of representatives from various human rights and women’s rights organizations, including INSEC Lumbini Province Coordinator Bhola Mahat, Advocacy Forum Lumbini Province Coordinator Basant Gautam, Women Rights Forum spokesperson Mohammad Sher Bagwan, chairperson Man Kumari Gurtal, and member Gita Ruidas.
Following the agreement, Khan expressed gratitude toward Prime Minister Balen Shah and government representatives for addressing her demands and facilitating the resolution.
