Landless Communities Warn Government Against Evictions, Threaten Nationwide Protests

Butwal. The landless and homeless communities have issued a stern warning to the government to immediately stop bulldozing settlements. They stated that if the government forcibly removes them without solving the problem, they will escalate protests nationwide. Speaking at a corner meeting organized by the homeless in Butwal, homeless leaders urged the state to ensure the right to live with dignity for citizens. Liya Rai from Bagmati Province said that the government should not delay in solving the problems of the homeless, saying, 'The government will remain if the people remain.' According to her, millions of citizens in the country are still suffering from land problems and injustice is being done to the helpless class. Homeless activist Raju Shahi reminded that the government was formed with the votes of the poor and warned that if such activities continue, protests will escalate nationwide. He commented that it is a violation of human rights to keep the homeless in one place without paying attention to basic issues like education and health. Khagendra Prasad Poudel, coordinator of the Homeless Struggle Committee Rupandehi, said that bulldozing settlements without a long-term plan has created fear across the country. Accusing the state of treating its own citizens like non-citizens, he warned of strong protests. Virendra BK, advisor to the Struggle Committee, mentioned that the state has not been able to legitimize settlements where people have been living since 2028 BS. 'Now is not the time to demolish houses, but to control inflation and create employment,' he said. He also warned that if the settlements are forcibly removed, they will resist, and if bulldozers are used in Rupandehi, the homeless from all over the district will unite. Butwal homeless leader Narendra Darji said that it is the state's weakness that citizens who have been living for years have not yet received land ownership certificates. He complained that they are paying taxes but not receiving land ownership certificates. Today, the homeless from Butwal and surrounding areas took to the streets in protest, and representatives from various districts participated. It is reported that a conference has also been organized in Butwal, including representatives from 22 districts, especially from the Terai.