Government and usury victims reach four-point agreement, protest withdrawn

KATHMANDU: Following negotiations initiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, a four-point agreement was reached today between the government and the usury victims' struggle committee, leading to the withdrawal of their protest.

The talks, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, resulted in the agreement, bringing relief to victims of loan sharks.

Under the terms of the agreement, an inquiry commission will be formed to investigate the practice of exorbitant interest rates charged by money lenders. The commission is mandated to submit its report within three months, as stipulated by the Commission of Inquiry Act, 2026 BS.

Additionally, a request will be made to the Ministry of Finance to allocate funds in the upcoming budget for financial aid, relief, and compensation for the underprivileged, thereby preventing them from falling prey to usury.

Having journeyed for 23 days from Kakadvitta in Jhapa to Mahendranagar in Kanchanpur before arriving in Kathmandu on February 21, the victims have halted their agitation following the agreement, as confirmed by Struggle Committee spokesperson Nirga Naveen.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane reiterated the government's commitment to fully implementing the agreement. He assured the victims that they would not have to endure such arduous journeys on foot to seek justice in the capital.