March 12: The government and the usury victims struggle committee have singed a four-pint agreement.

The talks held on Sunday between the two sides at the Ministry of Home Affairs at the initiative of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane led to the agreement. As a result, the loan shark victims have withdrawn their protest.

As per the agreement, an inquiry commission will be formed to study the practice of exorbitant charging of interest by money lenders. The commission will submit its report within three months in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, 2026 BS.

A request will also be made to the Ministry of Finance to make necessary arrangements in the upcoming budget for financial aid, relief and compensation to the underprivileged class so that they do not fall victims to usury.

After walking for 23 days from Kakadvitta in Jhapa and Mahendranagar in Kanchanpur, the loan shark victims had arrived in Kathmandu on February 21. Spokesperson of Struggle Committee, Nirga Naveen, said the agitation been stopped following the agreement.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichanne expressed the commitment to fully implement the agreement. Addressing the usury victims, he said that the government will make sure that the victims do not have to make such arduous journey travelling on foot to the capital seeking justice. (RSS)