Bardia Local Leaders Protest Army's Letter on Squatter Settlements

Kathmandu. Representatives from eight local levels in Bardia have objected to a letter sent by the army regarding squatter settlements. 

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the representatives including Madhuwan Municipality Mayor Tej Bahadur Bhat, Gulariya Municipality Mayor Muktinath Yadav, Rajapur Mayor Dipesh Tharu, Bansgadi Municipality Mayor Khadak Bahadur Khadka, Barbardiya Mayor Chabilal Tharu, Thakurdwara Municipality Mayor Tilakram Lamsal, Geruwa Rural Municipality Chairman Zaman Singh KC, and Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality Chairman Himalaya Tripathi, expressed their objections. 

Barbardiya Mayor Chabilal Tharu told Ratopati that they raised questions about the legality and process, as the letter came directly from the army instead of through the local levels.  

He stated, “It is inappropriate for the army to suddenly appear when work is already underway to resolve the issue of landless squatters through the Land Commission. We need necessary directives from the Federal Affairs and General Administration Ministry. Or, the remaining process can be completed through the Land Commission.” He added, “We raised the legal issue after receiving the army’s letter.” 

In its letter dated April 12, the army had requested updated details of squatter settlements in the local levels of Bardia district. However, the representatives publicly expressed their dissatisfaction by issuing a statement, citing that the letter was not in accordance with the prevailing laws and procedures. 

Similarly, the representatives also objected to the notice published by the Division Forest Office, Bardia, under the Ministry of Forests and Environment of Lumbini Province, regarding the clearing of encroached forest land. 

The statement recalled Article 37, Sub-section (1) of Part 3 of the Constitution of Nepal, which guarantees the right to housing for every citizen. 

“The public notice, published in contravention of the constitutional provision, appears to directly affect the housing rights of citizens who have been living within the forest area for a long time,” the statement read. 

The representatives demanded that such prejudiced actions by the government, established as a servant of the people, be stopped immediately. 

They believe it is necessary to expedite the work related to resolving land issues in all municipalities of Bardia, which is progressing in various stages, and identify the actual situation of the citizens. 

Only then, they opined, would it be appropriate for the Nepal government to take possession of the remaining land.