JANAKPURDHAM: The government and various Hindu organizations have reached a 13-point agreement following negotiations aimed at maintaining religious harmony, social peace and national unity, with a key provision calling for the initiation of an all-party discussion within three months on the proposal to declare Nepal a Hindu nation.
The agreement was reached after talks between the government negotiation team led by Home Minister Sudan Gurung and representatives of the United Hindu Front, including leaders associated with the protesting Hindu Samrat Sena.
According to Dhanusha Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Luitel, the discussions focused on addressing concerns raised by Hindu organizations regarding national identity, religious activities, public order and social harmony.
One of the most significant points of the agreement is the government’s commitment to begin an all-party dialogue within three months on the demand to declare Nepal a Hindu nation. Although the agreement does not immediately alter Nepal’s constitutional status, it formally opens the door for political consultation on the issue.
The agreement also includes measures aimed at preventing tensions at religious sites. It calls for the regulation of the display of weapons and other provocative activities in and around places of worship. In addition, the use of loudspeakers and sound amplification devices at religious sites will be restricted, with sound permitted only to the extent necessary for essential religious activities.
Authorities have also agreed to maintain records of individuals residing in religious places, particularly foreign nationals. The provision is intended to strengthen administrative oversight and ensure compliance with existing legal procedures related to immigration and residency.
Another important provision concerns social media and public communication. The agreement states that legal action will be taken against individuals found spreading religious or ethnic hatred through social media or other public platforms.
The government has further agreed to review cases involving individuals arrested in connection with the Dewanganj incident in Sunsari. A review process will be conducted in accordance with prevailing laws.
Healthcare support for people injured during protests has also been included in the agreement. The government has committed to facilitating treatment and addressing the medical needs of those injured in protest-related incidents.
The agreement additionally calls for an investigation into the process of distributing Nepali citizenship, reflecting concerns raised by participating organizations during the negotiations.
Provisions related to the safety of protest participants and legal procedures concerning foreign nationals have also been incorporated. Furthermore, the agreement establishes financial oversight of resources and funds received by madrasahs, with the stated objective of ensuring transparency and accountability.
The talks were attended by Home Minister Sudan Gurung, Madhesh Province Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav, Finance Minister Yuvraj Bhattarai, Madhesh Province Home Minister Fakira Mahato, Member of the House of Representatives Manish Jha, Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City Chief Manoj Kumar Sah, and representatives of several Hindu organizations, including the Hindu Samrat Sena.
Officials described the agreement as an effort to address sensitive religious and social issues through dialogue and negotiation rather than confrontation. Representatives of the Hindu organizations said they would monitor the implementation of the agreed points, while government officials expressed confidence that the understanding would contribute to maintaining peace and communal harmony in the country.
