Laukahi locals call off protest after signing five-point agreement

ITAHARI: Demonstrations in Sunsari over the death of a 45-year-old man by an Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal personnel were called off after the two sides signed a five-point agreement on Thursday.

Bijay Sah of Koshi Rural Municipality-1 died after receiving a police bullet at around 1 am on Thursday near the APF Nepal’s Laukahi border outpost near the Nepal-India border.

Following the incident, Sah’s family and neighbors staged protests by placing his body on the road and demanding action against those responsible. A large crowd pelted stones at police personnel. Police responded by using tear gas shells and firing shots in the air to bring the situation under control. The protests also disrupted traffic along the East–West Highway throughout the day.

The protests were called off after a five-point agreement was reached. As part of the agreement, an investigation committee has been formed under the coordination of Assistant Chief District Officer Ghanshyam Neupane to ascertain the facts of the incident. The committee, which includes representatives from Nepal Police and the National Investigation Department, has been given seven days to prepare its report.

Sunsari Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire said they would recommend the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide relief and compensation to the next of kin of the victim as per the existing laws if the investigation confirms negligence on the part of the security agencies.

The agreement also includes provisions to facilitate employment for Sah’s wife and, if desired, assistance for his son in joining the Armed Police Force.