Kathmandu. Human rights activist Ruby Khan, who has been staging a hunger strike for the past 23 days, and government representatives on Tuesday signed a five-point agreement demanding an impartial investigation into the abduction, detention, and murder of Nirmala Kurmi of Banke.

With the agreement, she ended her 23rd day hunger strike.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s press and research expert Deepa Dahal gave him water to end his hunger strike. The government had sent a special team to the Sanjivani College of Medical Sciences (Nepalgunj Hospital) in Banke to hold talks with Khan, who has been staging a hunger strike at the hospital.

The team comprised Additional Inspector General of Police Sushil Singh Rathor, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson at the Ministry of Home Affairs Ananda Kafle and Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s press and investigation expert Deepa Dahal.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the joint secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Khan, following continuous talks and facilitation with the rights activists since Monday.

As per the agreement, the investigation into the case of abduction, physical confinement and murder of Nirmala Kurmi, registered at the District Police Office, Banke on April 20, 2020, would be studied and taken to the judicial process at the earliest.

Similarly, the government has also pledged to conduct an investigation by the Lumbini Province Police Office, Dang into the other incidents raised by Khan, and take legal action against the concerned police personnel if found guilty in the course of the investigation.

Likewise, the government has also directed the government to immediately conclude the investigation into the case of ‘criminal trespass against public peace’ registered against Khan at the District Police Office, Banke.

The meeting also agreed that the Police Headquarters would investigate into the role of the Chief of the District Police Office, Banke and other employees in the case.

The meeting also agreed to provide necessary directives to the District Police Office and District Administration Office in Banke for the security of Khan and other women rights activists.

The agreement was signed by the representatives of various organizations working in the field of human rights and women’s rights.

INSEC Lumbini Province Coordinator Bhola Mahat, Advocacy Forum Lumbini Province Coordinator Basanta Gautam, Women Rights Forum Spokesperson Mohammad Sher Bagwan, President Man Kumari Gurtal and member Geeta Raidas have signed on the agreement.