Life in Birtamod, Jhapa, started limping back to normalcy on Saturday afternoon after the District Administration Office (DAO) agreed to recommend the government to provide Rs 1 million compensation to the family of Naresh Thapa, who was shot dead by police during a protest rally that was organised on Friday demanding probe into the alleged murder of 11-year-old Laxman Shiwakoti. 

The local administration had enforced a curfew in Birtamod after violence broke out in the area when 30-year-old Thapa of Arjundhara-11 was gunned down by police. More than 50 people, including security personnel, were injured in clashes while several instances of arson and vandalism were perpetrated by enraged protesters. 

An all-party meeting was held on Saturday to dispel the tension and avert further violence. 

As per the agreement reached in the meeting, the DAO shall recommend the Home Ministry to provide Rs 1 million compensation to Thapa’s family.

Similarly, Birtamod Municipality and the District Coordination Committee, Jhapa, shall also provide Rs 25,000 each to the families of Thapa and Shiwakoti while the Birtamod Chamber of Commerce and Industry shall provide Rs 10,000 each to the two families. 

Besides, there has also been an agreement to make arrangements for providing Thapa’s widows a job at the municipality, according to Superintendent of Police Bishnu KC at the District Police Office. 

It was also agreed that the authorities would recommend investigations into the alleged involvement of Deputy Superintendent of Police Raj Kumar Silwal of Anarmani Area Police Office in the firing incident and Shiwakoti’s death. 

The meeting also decided to urge the concerned sides to withdraw their protest and cooperate in the investigation process. 

Political parties, people’s representatives, journalists and civil society, among 

others, have been requested to help normalise the situation. 

Chief District Officer Rishiram Tiwari, SP KC, Mayor of Birtamod Municipality Dhruba Kumar Shiwakoti, Deputy Mayor Pabitra Mahatara Prasai, among others, were present at the meeting. 

Meanwhile, a high level probe team, formed by the Home Ministry, has initiated investigation into the incident. The team is expected to come up with its report in a week. 

Shiwakoti had gone missing on September 30. His body was found the following day at Birtamod-1. 

His uncle Bishnu Prasad Shiwakoti has accused eight persons, including one Shuresh Pokharel of Birtamod-5 of murdering his nephew.