CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet Criticizes Government Over Squatter Settlement Eviction

Kathmandu. CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has claimed that the days of the current government being removed from the hearts of the people and from power are not far off. He expressed his outrage against the government for issuing an ultimatum to clear encroached squatter settlements.

Through social media, he stated: 'Prime Minister Balendra Shah summoned the security chiefs and issued an ultimatum to "clear the encroached squatter settlements by Saturday or Sunday." This decision has exposed the true character of the government. His party chairman, Rabi Lamichhane, used to give grand speeches saying, "If a bulldozer comes to the squatter settlement, I will stand in front of it with my chest." Where has that commitment gone today? Was it just a speech to keep the public in the dark?'

He questioned: 'Is the goal to drive away squatters or to manage them? Is it to eradicate poverty or to eliminate the poor themselves? Running bulldozers over the homes of small business owners and locals in the name of widening roads and cleaning footpaths, and tightening restrictions on goods worth more than 100 rupees at customs to snatch away the poor's lentils and rice—this is not progress, it is a direct attack on the poor. Steps like dissolving student and employee organizations have made it clear. This government is not moving towards democratic values but towards an authoritarian regime. The public will not remain silent and watch such an anti-people and anti-poor administration.'