Local Govts Condemn Forced Evictions of Squatters

Kathmandu. Local governments have drawn attention to the problems arising after the government bulldozed squatter settlements. The National Federation of Rural Municipalities in Nepal and the Nepal Municipal Association, common organizations of local governments in Nepal, have expressed serious objection to the forced evictions taking place in squatter and unmanaged settlements in various parts of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley. Issuing a joint press release on Wednesday, both federations demanded that such actions, which violate human sensitivity and legal procedures, be stopped.

The press release stated that there is serious concern about the 'unusual activism' by security agencies and the pressure given to local governments to remove settlements along the riverbanks in the Thapahtali, Manohara, and Sinamangal areas of Kathmandu. The federation believes that such activities increase fear and insecurity among citizens and disrupt peace and security.

The press release also raised questions about the correspondence and process carried out by the Nepali Army with the local government in Bardiya district recently. It has been noted that the ambiguity of responsibility and lack of coordination among state bodies is not beneficial for the democratic governance system in the long run, and attention has been drawn to the army's move.

The federation reminded that according to the Constitution of Nepal and existing laws, the primary responsibility for identifying, documenting, and managing landless Dalits, squatters, and unmanaged residents lies with the local government. 'The responsibility to protect public land and prevent encroachment is that of the local government, but the federal and provincial governments only need to provide the necessary security and resources for this,' the press release stated.

The federation argues that it is not justified to forcibly evict squatters and unmanaged residents when local governments are in the final stages of collecting costs and verifying them. It has been warned against acting against the law, citing that the Land Related (Eighth Amendment) Act, 2076, provides for the allocation of land once to those who have been living on government or unregistered land for at least 10 years.

The federation has strongly demanded that squatters not be displaced by force during this sensitive time when the rainy season has begun and the risk of natural disasters is increasing. The press release stated that bulldozing without guaranteeing minimum human rights and basic protection is against the spirit of the constitution.

The press release, signed by Laxmi Devi Pandey, Chairperson of the National Federation of Rural Municipalities, and Bhim Prasad Dhungana, President of the Nepal Municipal Association, stated, 'It is not our desire to legitimize encroachment, but hasty decisions should not be made without studying the social and economic aspects of why and under what compulsion citizens end up living on public land.'