Government, family of self-immolation victim sign nine-point deal

The Nepali government and the family of Ganesh Nepali, a ride-hailing driver who died after setting himself on fire, reached a nine-point agreement on Sunday, concluding days of stalled negotiations. Home Minister Sudhan Gurung's involvement in talks at the District Administration Office in Kathmandu facilitated the breakthrough.

The agreement stipulates the formation of an independent investigation committee, led by a retired judge, to probe the circumstances of Nepali's death. The family's request to declare him a martyr will be considered based on the committee's findings and existing laws. Additionally, the government will direct Kathmandu Metropolitan City to suspend the municipal police officers involved in the incident, which stemmed from an alleged parking violation and a dispute over a damaged mobile phone.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has committed to providing employment to Nepali's wife, Ekmaya, based on her qualifications, and will offer financial relief to the family. The metropolis will also cover funeral costs and living expenses for the family in the capital during the mourning period. In return, the family agreed to claim Nepali's body from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for final rites and cooperate with legal procedures, including the post-mortem examination.

The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene will arrange comprehensive health insurance for Nepali's family. The agreement marks a resolution after Nepali, who had mortgaged family land to purchase his motorcycle, died from severe burn injuries on Friday morning following the self-immolation on Thursday.