Dhangadi, March 12

All 24 accused in the Tikapur carnage, who had been staging hunger strike on the premises of Kailali District Prison for the last nine days, withdrew their agitation after agreeing to a four-point deal with the local administration today.

The accused ended their fast-unto-death by drinking juice given by Kailali Chief District Officer Govinda Rijal.

The agitators were on hunger strike demanding victory certificate for parliamentarian-elect Resham Chaudhary, the main accused in the Tikapur carnage and withdrawal of charges against them. The agitators called off their hunger strike after district administration agreed to inform all authorities concerned about administering the oath of office and secrecy to Resham Chaudhary; and the need to withdraw the case filed against them.

One of the points in the deal had to do with informing them about providing reparation within 15 days and also informing detainees related to the incident about attempts made to implement the agreement. However, the agitators have warned they will resume their hunger strike in case their demands are not addressed within 15 days.

Earlier, in a statement, representatives of political parties in the district had urged the government to save the agitators.