Ruby Khan ends 23-day hunger strike after 5-point deal with govt

KATHMANDU: Rights activist Ruby Khan has ended her 23-day hunger strike after reaching a five-point agreement with the government regarding the investigation into the alleged abduction and murder case of Nirmala Kurmi.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday following talks between Khan and a government delegation. She formally ended the strike after being offered water by Deepa Dahal, press and research advisor to Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

Khan had been staging the hunger strike at a Nepalgunj Hospital, demanding a fair investigation into the 2021 case involving Kurmi’s alleged abduction, unlawful detention and murder.

The government team involved in the negotiations included Additional Inspector General of Police Sushil Singh Rathour from Nepal Police Headquarters, Home Ministry spokesperson and Joint Secretary Anand Kafle, and advisor Deepa Dahal.

Under the agreement, the government has pledged to review the investigation conducted so far into the case registered at the District Police Office, Banke, on April 2, 2021, and move the matter forward through the judicial process as soon as possible.

The agreement also states that investigations into other incidents raised by Khan will be reviewed by the Lumbini Province Police Office in Dang. Authorities have committed to taking legal action against police personnel if negligence or misconduct is found.

Similarly, the government agreed to expedite the investigation into the “offense against public peace” case filed against Khan at the District Police Office, Banke.

The Nepal Police Headquarters will also investigate the role of officials, including the Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Banke, and initiate action if any wrongdoing is established.

In addition, the government has agreed to direct the District Police Office and District Administration Office in Banke to ensure security for Khan and other women rights activists involved in the movement demanding justice for Kurmi.

Following the agreement, Khan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shah and government representatives for their role in resolving the issue.