Kathmandu, Aug 23: The government and the family of murdered teenager Garima Chaudhary have reached a three-point agreement following public outrage over her killing and growing concerns about violence against women and children.
The agreement was reached during talks at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday night. It commits the government to reviewing existing laws and pursuing reforms to ensure tougher punishment for those convicted of heinous crimes.
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam, representatives of the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, and Agriculture, Forests and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary signed the commitment on behalf of the government. Garima’s parents, Manoj Kumar Chaudhary and Manmati Chaudhary, signed on behalf of the family.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs will decide within seven days to form a seven-member “Garima Justice Resolution Committee.” The committee will study whether existing legal provisions are adequate and recommend measures for stronger punishment.
The government has also agreed to facilitate the construction of a statue of Garima in coordination with the local government, responding to the family’s demand. Her parents will perform her funeral according to their customs and traditions.
The agreement follows mounting demands for strict action against those responsible and justice for Garima’s family. Its significance, however, will depend on whether the government follows through on the commitments within the agreed timeframe.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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