Pokhara Mayor Appeals to Squatters to Abandon Protests and Cooperate

Pokhara. Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya has appealed to the squatters to abandon their protests and cooperate, stating that the metropolitan city is seriously and responsibly working to solve the squatter problem. 

The squatters have announced programs of struggle, saying that the state is removing them without any alternative.

Acharya has appealed not to use squatter settlements as human shields and not to get caught up in unnecessary provocations. Pokhara has already distributed 'Nissa' as the first phase of solving the squatter problem. "Pokhara is possibly the first to distribute temporary proof of residence (Nissa)," he said, "The work of verifying the reality of the citizens who have received Nissa is underway."

The metropolitan city has stated that it will manage those who have received Nissa through two alternatives. Mayor Acharya said that if the place where they are currently residing is not risky and is not required for government projects, they will be managed in the same place, and if the place of residence is risky or required for public projects, they will be managed in an alternative place according to the rules.

He accused that the problem is being complicated by the metropolitan city's recent notice to clear the encroached areas. "Dear brothers and sisters, you do not need to protest. The metropolitan city is responsible for solving your problems," he added, "Please do not be used for anyone's interests."

He suggested that the squatters form a cooperation and facilitation committee instead of a struggle committee to present their demands and suggestions. The metropolitan city has called on all stakeholders to cooperate in identifying and managing genuine squatters in a lawful manner. The squatters of Pokhara are preparing to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister and the Mayor today.