Kathmandu— The government of Nepal reached two separate agreements over the weekend, one with the family of three-year-old Garima Chaudhary, who was a victim of a heinous crime in Bara district, and another with borrowers staging a sit-in protest against microfinance practices. The agreements, finalized on Saturday evening and Sunday morning respectively, outline commitments to legal reviews, memorialization efforts, and transportation assistance for the protesters.

Garima Chaudhary Case: Legal Review and Memorial

Following discussions at the Ministry of Home Affairs involving Home Minister Sudhan Gurung and other concerned ministers, an agreement was reached with Garima Chaudhary’s parents. A key component of the deal involves a review of existing legal provisions related to offenses and punishments for heinous crimes, aiming to align them with public expectations. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs will establish a seven-member ‘Garima Justice Commitment Committee’ tasked with submitting recommendations for new legislation within seven days.

The agreement also stipulates the construction of a statue honoring Garima Chaudhary in Jitpur, Simara Sub-Metropolitan City, Bara, to be undertaken by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development in coordination with local authorities. The family will be allowed to conduct Garima’s last rites according to their customs and traditions.

Microfinance Protests End After Agreement

A separate 14-point agreement was reached between the government and representatives of borrowers protesting microfinance loan practices, bringing an end to a sit-in that had been ongoing outside the National Human Rights Commission in Lalitpur. Following the agreement on Saturday evening, the government arranged for transportation via Sajha Yatayat buses to return the 323 protesters to their home districts.

Borrowers from various regions including Jhapa, Morang, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Sindhuli, Bara, Parsa and Nawalparasi were transported in eight buses with officials present to oversee the process.

Both agreements signify efforts by the government to address pressing social issues and respond to public concerns regarding justice and financial practices.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.