The 11-day hunger strike of Dr. Nicholas Bhusal and Harish Bista has ended after the government reached a six-point agreement with them.
On Friday, the agreement was signed between the protesting Dr. Bhusal and Bista and Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor Ajayabhadra Khanal on behalf of the government. Following the signing, Prime Minister Sushila Karki formally ended their hunger strike by offering them juice at Baluwatar.
The agreement, reached under the core slogan “Peace, Prosperity, Good Governance First for the Nation,” includes commitments on various political, legal, and structural reforms.
According to the agreement, legal proceedings will be initiated against those found guilty within 15 days of receiving the report of the investigation commission led by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, which was formed to probe incidents that occurred during the Gen Z movement.
Similarly, it has been agreed that individuals detained, under investigation, or facing prosecution solely for their involvement in the movement will be released and cases withdrawn within one month, provided they are not found to be involved in serious crimes.
The agreement also states that, within 15 days, a work mandate will be prepared and a high-level investigation commission will be formed to control political and policy-level corruption. The commission will recommend measures related to investigating the assets of public office holders, ending politicization, and administrative restructuring.
The government has further committed to developing technology to enable voting from abroad in upcoming elections, ensuring voting rights for citizens living overseas.
In addition, the agreement mentions that a “Constitution Amendment Recommendation Commission” will be formed within one month to study and propose reforms related to constitutional and governance issues, including a directly elected executive prime minister and the structure of provincial governments.
The government has also agreed to address the long-term needs of the families of those killed during the movement and those injured, particularly in education, health, and employment.
Following the agreement, Dr. Nicholas Bhusal and Harish Bista announced the end of their hunger strike and expressed their commitment to cooperate with the government in implementing the agreed points.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Nicholas Bhusal and Harish Bista on behalf of the protesting side and by Ajayabhadra Khanal on behalf of the government.
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