Nepal predatory lending talks end without agreement

Negotiations between victims of predatory lending and a government team in Nijgadh, Nepal, concluded without an agreement Wednesday night. Both sides remained firm on their positions, leading to a stalemate after two days of talks. Home Minister Sudan Gurung, leading the government's team, expressed readiness to accept the victims' demands but insisted on revising certain wording in their six-point draft agreement. He urged the protesters to halt their agitation and come to Kathmandu, promising the formation of a negotiation committee and a final agreement at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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This is not like previous governments. This government will honour its commitments. Do not worry. We are with you. We will resolve this issue.

However, the victims, wary of previous unfulfilled government promises, rejected the minister's assurances and the government's conditions outright. They demanded a written agreement, not just verbal promises, before considering any suspension of their movement. Nirga Naveen, coordinator of the United People’s Rights Front Nepal, stated that the protest would continue until their demands were met and a concrete written agreement was signed. Gen Z activist Laxmi Ghimire echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for legal validity through a signed draft agreement.

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The movement will not stop until our demands are addressed and the government signs a concrete written agreement. We will remain in Nijgadh for some more time. We will no longer accept verbal assurances. Any agreement must be formalised in writing.

Gurung departed the negotiation venue late Wednesday after talks stalled. The protesters responded by chanting slogans and vowing to continue their movement. The government team had attempted to address issues concerning ongoing court cases and arrest warrants, noting that amendments to existing laws and the draft agreement would be necessary. The talks, initially scheduled for noon, began only at 8:15 PM. Efforts are reportedly underway to restart dialogue, but no date has been set. The victims' core demands include the return of land seized as collateral by predatory lenders.

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We have asked for a written commitment, not verbal assurances. Our position remains unchanged. If there is no agreement, the justice march will continue towards Kathmandu.