Prime Minister Balen Shah's directive to clear Thapathali squatter settlement sparks political controversy

Kathmandu. Prime Minister Balendra Shah 'Balen' has caused a stir in political circles following his directive to security agency chiefs to clear the squatter settlement in Thapathali. On Wednesday, Balen summoned high-ranking security officials, including Nepal Police IGP Dan Bahadur Karki and Armed Police Force IGP Raju Aryal, and instructed them to clear the Bagmati riverbank settlement by this coming Saturday and Sunday. 

Gen-Z leader Raksha Bam has expressed strong objection to the Prime Minister's move, labeling it a betrayal of the people and political dishonesty. Through social media, Raksha Bam has raised serious questions regarding Prime Minister Balen Shah's working style. Targeting Balen, she asked, 'Is this all you know?' Bam accused this move of being not only the height of immaturity but also a sign of extreme dishonesty by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which is currently in power, toward the general public.

When Balen Shah was the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, he made significant efforts to remove the Thapathali squatter settlement. However, due to resistance from the residents and local opposition, the Metropolitan City was unable to succeed in its objective. 

Now, immediately after reaching the Prime Minister's chair, his decision to mobilize the entire state security apparatus to target the same settlement has begun to draw voices of protest from the civil level. According to security officials, preparations are underway to finalize the plan to remove the settlement after further coordination with the Chief District Officer of Kathmandu.