Hark Sampang Vows Support for Squatters Facing Eviction

Kathmandu. The Chairman of the Labor Culture Party and Member of the House of Representatives, Hark Sampang, has stated that the government's action of demolishing houses and making citizens homeless in squatter settlements is unacceptable under any circumstances. He stated that the constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live and the right to housing.

Speaking at a meeting program with squatters and unorganized residents organized in Simaltar and Thanabharyang in Hetauda-11 on Saturday, Sampang said that the state using force to intimidate citizens is an autocratic style.

He stated that he would raise the issue of squatters in both the parliament and on the streets. He mentioned that he had already tabled the agenda related to the squatter problem in the first meeting of the first session after being elected as a Member of the House of Representatives.

'Everyone has the right to live. The right to build and live in a house is a fundamental right given by the constitution. We are of the opinion that the state should not suddenly come and demolish houses in a way that spreads terror,' he said, 'Whether anyone else remains or not, I will remain on your side. Citizens from Mechi to Mahakali must unite to ensure the right of the Nepali people to live.'

In recent times, as the District Administration Office, Makwanpur, has started an campaign to protect public and government land and remove encroachments, the locals of Simaltar settlement in Hetauda-11 are terrified of being displaced. In that context, Sampang visited the settlement and heard the problems of the locals, the insecurity of land management, and complaints related to basic services.

At the program, local residents welcomed Sampang and informed him about the pressure and fear being exerted on the settlement.