Families of Dewangunj victims, govt sign seven-point agreement

KATHMANDU: The families of two youths who were killed in police firing in Dewangunj, Sunsari, on Sunday night have agreed to receive and cremate the bodies after signing a seven-point agreement with the government.

The agreement was signed on Friday morning by Minister for Home Affairs Sudhan Gurung and representatives of the victims’ families.

Om Prakash Mehta and Jaya Prakash Mehta died when police opened fire to control a clash between two communities in Kaptangunj of Dewanguj Rural Municipality of Sunsari on Sunday night. Om Prakash died while undergoing treatment on Sunday itself, while Jaya Prakash was declared dead on Thursday.

According to the agreement, the government will immediately initiate the process of declaring both deceased as martyrs. It has also committed to providing financial relief of Rs 1 million each to the bereaved families.

Similarly, the government has expressed commitment to conduct a fair and effective investigation into the incident and to iniate legal action against those found responsible as per the prevailing laws.

The government has agreed to launch a separate investigation into the legal status and related matters concerning a madrasa located in Dewangunj-3.

As part of the agreement, one qualified member from each victim’s family will be provided with employment opportunities.

The government has also expressed commitment to implement the recommendations of the investigation committee formed to study the incident.

Likewise, the agreement states that a memorial park will be constructed at a suitable location within the rural municipality in coordination with the local government.