Decisive Talks Underway Between Usury Victims and Home Minister; Efforts to Reach Consensus on Six-Point Demands

The third round of talks is scheduled for today (Thursday) between Home Minister Sudan Gurung and the farmers, laborers, and victims who have been protesting against usury (meter-byaj) and fraud for a long time.

Both sides have viewed this meeting—scheduled to take place at 12:00 PM in the hall of the City Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nijgadh, Bara—as "decisive."

Public attention has shifted entirely toward today's discussion after the first and second rounds of talks, which lasted for about five hours each on Tuesday and Wednesday, ended without a conclusion.

Under the leadership of the "Farmers-Laborers Movement Against Usury and Fraud, Nepal," the victims began a "pedestrian march" (justice march) toward Kathmandu on July 9 (Asar 25) from the historic Tirahutiya Gachi in Janakpur, Dhanusha.

Ignoring the scorching heat and rain, the victims marched in search of justice. In response to their grievances and to address the movement, Home Minister Gurung arrived in Nijgadh, Bara, himself.

The Six-Point Demands

The protestors have presented a six-point demand to the home administration, outlined with a clear roadmap to resolve their problems. They are demanding the cancellation of fraudulent deeds and documents, the enactment of a powerful special act against usury, the formation of a special tribunal, and an investigation into the assets of loan sharks and moneylenders. Additionally, they are calling for the return of the victims' properties and the assurance of fair and just financial transactions.

Detailed discussions regarding the technical and legal complexities of these demands are understood to have taken place during the past two days of talks.

While the representatives of the protestors have maintained a firm stance that they will not stop the movement until the state provides solid and implementable commitments, the government side has stated that homework is being done to resolve the issue in accordance with the law.

The third round of talks, beginning at 12:00 PM today, will determine how this long and grueling struggle of the usury victims will reach a logical conclusion. Thousands of usury victims across the country are currently watching these Nijgadh talks with deep interest.