Kathmandu [Nepal], August 2 – Nepal’s government and representatives of Hindu organisations have reached a 13-point agreement following negotiations aimed at addressing religious, social and public security issues, officials said.
The agreement was signed late Saturday during talks at the District Administration Office in Dhanusha. Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Luintel said the deal was based on a 13-point memorandum submitted by the Joint Hindu Front led by Hindu Samrat Sena which had been staging protests over issues related to religious harmony, social peace and national identity.
Under the agreement the government will initiate an all-party consultation process within three months on the demand to declare Nepal a Hindu state. Authorities also agreed to regulate the use of loudspeakers and other sound amplification systems at temples, mosques, monasteries and churches, allowing their use only for essential religious activities. The agreement also calls for stricter control of weapon displays and other provocative activities at religious sites.
The two sides further agreed to maintain records of individuals residing at religious institutions and where foreign nationals are involved, ensure monitoring through the relevant authorities. The government also committed to taking legal action against those accused of spreading religious, communal or ethnic hatred through social media.
Other provisions include reviewing legal cases related to those arrested after the Dewanganj incident in Sunsari, ensuring treatment for people injured during protests, examining the legal basis and relevance of religious commissions investigating the citizenship distribution process, monitoring financial sources received by madrasas, mosques and other religious institutions and strengthening transparency and regulatory oversight where necessary.
The talks were attended by Home Minister Sudan Gurung, Madhesh province Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav, provincial ministers, lawmakers, local officials and representatives of Hindu organisations.
