Protests Erupt in Kathmandu Over Government Move to Clear Squatter Settlements

Kathmandu. Protests have erupted against the government's decision to clear squatter settlements. Residents living along the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali and other areas staged demonstrations on Friday, claiming they were being evicted without warning. The National Gen-Z Citizens Campaign also joined the protest in their support. 

Participants in the protest displayed placards with slogans such as "We want rights, not displacement in the name of development," "Injustice against the poor will not be tolerated," "Eviction without rehabilitation is unacceptable," and "Identify the real squatters," while chanting anti-government slogans. Ajay Sodari, co-coordinator of the National Gen-Z Citizens Campaign, stated that they fully support the rights and interests of the squatters. 

He expressed the view that the current government is creating terror by threatening to use bulldozers. He urged the government to take further steps only after ensuring the proper management of genuine squatters.

Meanwhile, following reports that the squatter settlements would be cleared starting Saturday morning, some residents have begun moving their belongings. Following the government's decision to remove landless Dalits, squatters, and unmanaged settlers, they have started relocating their goods from the settlements.  

On Baisakh 9, Prime Minister Balen Shah summoned the heads of security agencies and directed them to clear the squatter settlements. Following the Prime Minister's directive, preparations are underway to remove the squatter settlements within the valley using bulldozers on Saturday and Sunday.