Ganesh Nepali’s family signs nine-point agreement with govt

KATHMANDU: The family of Ganesh Nepali, who died after attempting self-immolation, has signed a nine-point agreement with the government.

Under the agreement, the government has expressed commitment to forming an independent inquiry commission led by a former judge to investigate the incident. It has also agreed to initiate the process of declaring Nepali a martyr in accordance with existing laws, past precedents, and the commission’s recommendation.

Nepali’s family had been refusing to receive the body for last rites, arguing that Nepali took the tragic decision due to injustice by the state.

Nepali allegedly took the drastic step following an altercation with a Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) police personnel who had placed a wheel lock on his motorcycle for violating traffic rules. He set himself on fire a few hours after the incident on Thursday and succumbed to burn injuries while undergoing treatment on Friday morning.

The government has also agreed to suspend the Kathmandu City Police personnel involved in the altercation pending the inquiry commission’s recommendation.

As part of the agreement, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) will provide Nepali’s spouse with employment based on her qualifications and skills, and bear the educational expenses of their daughter through higher education.

The metropolitan city has also agreed to provide appropriate compensation to Nepali’s family.