Microfinance Victims Denounce Government Agreement as Betrayal

Kathmandu. Microfinance victims have accused the 5-point agreement reached between the Government of Nepal and the 'Struggle Committee Against Microfinance and Financial Exploitation' led by Maniram Gyawali of being a betrayal and anti-victim. The agreement was met with strong dissatisfaction at a press conference organized by the 'Farmers-Laborers Movement, Nepal Against Microfinance and Financial Exploitation' at Dialogue Dabali in the capital. Speaking at the program, movement chairman Ramesh Century said that Gyawali had reached an agreement with the government by deceiving the victims who have been struggling continuously for 5 years. He stated that the agreement, made by ignoring the voices of most victims, has further complicated the situation. 'The agreement to implement the 6-point report published after the talks between the government and the victims in Asar 2081 is a complete betrayal, which was entirely anti-victim,' said Century. Claiming that 6 million microfinance victims across the country are against the agreement, he called on the government to scrap the agreement and forge a new one in favor of the victims. Movement in-charge Suresh Ghimire accused Maniram Gyawali of trying to sabotage the continuous movement of 5 years. Stating that most victims are still in struggle, Ghimire said, 'Mr. Gyawali has bowed down to the Government of Nepal by betraying the victims and selling the movement, but we will not let that succeed.' He mentioned that the government, on one hand, acknowledges problems within microfinance but takes no action, and on the other hand, issues reports suggesting the struggle committee is heading towards criminalization. 'It is unfortunate that Chairman Gyawali himself signed based on such an anti-victim report,' he added. Movement vice-chairpersons Bimla Gajmer and Harimaya Mall said that the agreement made by Gyawali is completely anti-victim and the movement will continue until justice is served. General secretary Damodar Dhakal accused Gyawali of making a suicidal agreement out of panic after the capital march started on Shrawan 10. Similarly, secretary Hombahadur Khadka expressed anger, stating that millions of victims have been forced to take to the streets hungry due to the atrocities of microfinance institutions and the irresponsibility of the government. Secretariat member Jogendra Yadav warned that microfinance institutions are causing the most trouble in the Madhesh region and that they will be driven out of villages in the coming days.