Government reaches deal with families of two killed in Sunsari
Five days after the deadly Dewanganj incident, the government agrees to declare the victims martyrs, provide Rs1 million compensation to each family, ensure jobs for one family member each, and pursue an impartial investigation. Post Photo
The families of the two young men killed in Sunday’s deadly clash in Dewanganj Rural Municipality in Sunsari have reached a seven-point agreement with the government, paving the way for the victims’ funeral after days of protest.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who visited the incident site for the first time five days after the incident, signed the agreement with the victims’ families late on Thursday night.
The deal was signed between the home ministry and the families of Om Prakash Mehta and Jaya Prakash Mehta, both of whom were killed in the violence. Under the agreement, the government has committed to addressing a series of demands raised by the bereaved families.
The government has agreed to immediately begin the process of declaring both victims martyrs. It will also provide compensation of Rs1 million to each family.
The agreement further commits the government to conducting an impartial investigation and taking legal action against those found responsible in accordance with the law. One eligible member from each bereaved family will be offered employment.
The government has also pledged to implement, without delay, the recommendations of the investigation committee formed to probe the incident.
In addition, a memorial park dedicated to the victims will be built in coordination with the local government.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the victims’ families by the parents of Om Prakash Mehta and by Naresh Mehta, the parent of Jaya Prakash Mehta. Home Minister Gurung signed on behalf of the government.
The funeral rites are scheduled to take place at 2pm on Friday.
Communal tensions that erupted after a dispute in Sunsari have spread in several Tarai districts, leaving three people dead, and prompting sweeping security measures across four districts.
Authorities have imposed curfew orders in Sunsari, Saptari Siraha and Dhanusha as of Thursday night, while a prohibitory order was enforced in Parsa as violence spread from the eastern district of Sunsari. Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and the Nepali Army have been deployed in large numbers to contain the unrest.
21.14°C Kathmandu
