A group of Banke-based human rights activists led by Ruby Khan, demanding justice in the murder case of Nirmala Kurmi, suspended its two-and-a-half-month protest on Tuesday following a three-point agreement with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

They first started in October 2021 as a group of 14 people, including 11 women, who arrived in Kathmandu from Nepalgunj, covering over 500 kilometres on foot in the quest for justice for two women victims of murder and disappearances.

As per the agreement, the government will expedite the investigation into the abduction, unlawful confinement, and murder of Nirmala Kurmi. The ministry has committed to instructing the District Police Office in Banke, through the Nepal Police Headquarters, to swiftly address the case in line with the first clause of a previous agreement reached on June 24. Additionally, the Nepal Police Headquarters has agreed to reassign former investigating officers as necessary to assist with further inquiries.

Khan’s group initiated their protest on August 9, calling for justice in the case involving Kurmi’s abduction and murder.

The agreement also includes provisions to ensure the security of the protesters and their families, with directives issued to the Nepal Police Headquarters and the District Administration Office in Banke.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by Dil Kumar Tamang, under-secretary of the ministry of home affairs, and Ruby Khan on behalf of the protesters. The document was witnessed by former member of the National Human Rights Commission Mohana Ansari, alongside Bijay Babu Shiwakoti, Mohammad Sher Bagwan, Basanta Ranjitkar, and Man Kumari Gurtal.

Nirmala, 52, had gone missing in January 2012 from Janaki Rural Municipality in Banke. Her disappearance came to light two years after her two teenage sons were murdered in a week. Khan has been demanding Badshah’s arrest.