Rights Activist Ruby Khan Ends 23-Day Hunger Strike After 5-Point Agreement with Government

Kathmandu. An agreement of 5 points has been reached between activist Ruby Khan, who has been on a hunger strike for the past 23 days demanding impartial investigation into the incident of abduction, illegal detention, and murder of Nirmala Kurmi of Banke, and government representatives. With the agreement, she has ended her 23rd day of hunger strike. Khan was given water and her hunger strike was ended by Dipda Dahal, Press and Research Expert to Prime Minister Balen Shah.

A special team was formed by the government to hold talks with Khan, who was on a hunger strike at Sanjeevani College of Medical Sciences (Nepalgunj Hospital) in Banke. The team included Additional Inspector General of Police Sushil Singh Rathour from the Police Headquarters, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Anand Kafle from the Home Ministry, and Press and Research Expert to Prime Minister Balen Shah, Dipda Dahal. After the team continuously held talks and facilitated with activist Khan since Monday, an agreement letter was signed between the Joint Secretary of the Home Ministry and Khan.

After the agreement, Khan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shah and government representatives. As per the agreement, the investigation conducted so far regarding the case of abduction, illegal detention, and murder of Nirmala Kurmi, registered at the District Police Office, Banke on Chaitra 20, 2077, will be studied and taken to the judicial process as soon as possible.

Similarly, the government has pledged to investigate other incidents raised by Khan, who was on a hunger strike, through the Lumbini Province Police Office, Dang, and take legal action against the concerned police personnel as per police regulations if any weaknesses are found during the investigation. An agreement has also been reached to immediately direct the completion of the investigation into the case of 'offenses against public order' registered at the District Police Office, Banke against Khan.

The Police Headquarters will investigate the role of the employees including the Chief of the District Police Office, Banke, in this case, and an agreement has also been reached to initiate the process of action if any weaknesses are found. Similarly, an agreement has been reached to give necessary instructions to the District Police Office and District Administration Office in Banke for the security of Khan and other women's rights activists protesting for justice for Nirmala Kurmi.

Representatives of various organizations active in the field of human rights and women's rights have signed the agreement letter as witnesses. Those who signed as witnesses include INSEC Lumbini Province Coordinator Bhola Mahat, Advocacy Forum Lumbini Province Coordinator Basanta Gautam, Women's Rights Forum Spokesperson Mohammad Sher Bagwan, Chairperson Mankumari Gurthal, and Member Gita Raidas.