Ruby Khan Ends 23-Day Hunger Strike After Deal With Government

Rights activist Ruby Khan has ended her 23-day hunger strike after reaching a five-point agreement with the government over demands linked to the Nirmala Kurmi case in Banke, a case that has continued to raise serious questions about justice, police accountability, and the treatment of women seeking legal protection.

Khan had been staging the indefinite fast demanding an impartial investigation into the alleged abduction, unlawful confinement, and murder-related case involving Nirmala Kurmi. The protest had gradually drawn wider public attention, particularly from rights groups and women’s rights advocates who argued that the case reflected deeper institutional failures.

The agreement was finalized on Wednesday in Nepalgunj after several rounds of dialogue between government representatives and Khan. Soon after the deal was signed, Khan ended her hunger strike at Sanjeevani College of Medical Sciences in Nepalgunj.

Prime Minister Balen Shah’s press and research advisor Deepa Dahal offered Khan water to formally conclude the fast.

Government Team Flown to Nepalgunj

A special delegation representing the government had been deployed to Nepalgunj for negotiations. The team included Additional Inspector General of Police Sushil Singh Rathour from Police Headquarters, Home Ministry spokesperson and Joint Secretary Anand Kafle, and advisor Deepa Dahal.

Continuous discussions between the two sides eventually led to a formal written agreement signed by Khan and the Home Ministry representative. Following the agreement, Khan publicly expressed gratitude toward Prime Minister Shah and members of the negotiation team.

What the Five-Point Agreement Includes

Under the agreement, authorities have committed to reviewing the investigation conducted so far in the Nirmala Kurmi case that was registered at the District Police Office, Banke, on April 2, 2021. The case involves allegations of abduction, unlawful detention, and culpable homicide. The government has pledged to move the matter forward through the judicial process as quickly as possible.

The agreement also states that additional incidents raised by Khan during the protest will be investigated through the Lumbini Province Police Office in Dang. If negligence or misconduct is found during the review process, legal action will be taken against the concerned police personnel under existing police regulations.

Another significant point concerns the public peace offense case previously registered against Ruby Khan herself at the District Police Office in Banke. The government has agreed to expedite and conclude the investigation into that case as well.

The role of police officials, including the Superintendent of Police at the Banke District Police Office, will also come under internal review by Police Headquarters. Authorities have stated that action will follow if any wrongdoing or procedural weakness is identified.

Security Commitment for Women Activists

The agreement further includes a commitment from the government to ensure the safety of Ruby Khan and other women rights activists involved in the campaign demanding justice for Nirmala Kurmi.

District authorities and police offices in Banke will receive instructions to provide necessary protection and coordination support for activists engaged in the movement.

Representatives from several human rights and advocacy organizations also signed the agreement as witnesses, including INSEC Lumbini Province coordinator Bhola Mahat, Advocacy Forum Lumbini coordinator Basanta Gautam, Women Rights Forum spokesperson Mohammad Sher Bagwan, chairperson Man Kumari Gurung, and member Gita Raidas.