Balkumari Incident: Government Inks 4-Point Pact with Families of Slain Youths

In the aftermath of the clashes during Friday’s protest at Balkumari, the government has reached a four-point agreement with the families of the two youths who lost their lives.

Representatives from the Home Ministry and the grieving families convened on Monday to discuss and finalize the terms of the agreement. Under Secretary Umakanta Adhikari officially signed the accord on behalf of the government, while Tek Bahadur Shah (father of Birendra Shah) and Tek Bahadur Katuwal (maternal uncle of Sujan Rawat) represented their respective families.

The fatal clashes occurred when police used force to disperse demonstrators outside the Employment Permit System (EPS) Korea branch in Balkumari, Lalitpur, where protestors were demanding the right to participate in EPS examinations.

As per the terms outlined in the agreement:

– The government commits to providing employment to a family member of each bereaved family.

– Additional relief will be extended to both families, supplementing the Rs 1 million already approved by the Cabinet.

– The government pledges to initiate the process to declare Sujan Rawat and Birendra Shah as martyrs.

– Arrangements will be made by the Home Ministry for the families to receive the bodies of Rawat and Shah, and transportation to their respective districts will be facilitated.

This agreement marks a crucial step toward addressing the concerns raised by the affected families and seeks to provide support and recognition in the wake of the tragic events during the protest.