Pokhara's Squatters Protest Eviction Notice, Demand Housing Rights

Pokhara. Squatters in Pokhara have warned that they will not vacate their current residences under any circumstances unless the government provides proper alternatives and management. The protest rally and corner meeting were held on Monday in opposition to the Pokhara Metropolitan City's issuance of a 35-day notice to remove unauthorized structures built on public land.

Residents here, frightened by the incident of bulldozing in Kathmandu's squatter settlements, demanded the cancellation of the 35-day ultimatum and chanted slogans. Thousands of squatters surrounded the road at the call of the Landless and Unorganized Settlers Struggle Committee, Kaski.

Struggle Committee coordinator Prem Gurung stated that the government is ignoring its own citizens while providing security to foreign refugees. They have warned the government to revoke their citizenship before bulldozing the squatter settlements.

They accused new parties, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), of seeking votes with false promises of providing land ownership documents during elections, but are now trying to displace them. 

"If they are going to bring bulldozers less than two months after we voted, they should return our votes," they said. Currently, 475 households of squatters reside on 205 ropanis of land acquired for the bus park in 2032 BS. They stated that the government itself had provided them with identity cards and receipts twice. They argue that calling them encroachers is wrong, as they have electricity and water connections based on the metropolis's recommendation.

The Struggle Committee submitted a memorandum to the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kaski and the Chief Administrative Officer of Pokhara Metropolis, demanding the assurance of the constitutionally guaranteed right to housing. CDO Rudradevi Sharma, however, assured that the problem would be resolved only after proper management.