Landless Squatters Present 11-Point Demands, Announce Protests

Butwal. The national conference of landless squatters and unorganized settlers in Butwal has presented 11-point demands to the government and announced phased protest programs. The conference prioritized the issues of housing, land ownership certificates, safe settlement, and human rights protection for landless, Dalit squatters and unorganized settlers, demanding immediate implementation.

The conference demanded that the remaining administrative and legal processes for areas where land surveys and mapping have been completed according to the Land Act be immediately finalized and land ownership certificates be distributed promptly. Similarly, the demand has been put forward to provide land ownership certificates for housing and agricultural purposes to landless Dalits completely free of charge.

The conference demanded that land ownership certificates be provided to unorganized settlers for housing purposes by charging only 10 percent of the registration fee applicable to land revenue, and 5 percent for agricultural purposes. The conference urged the government to effectively implement the fundamental right to housing guaranteed by Article 37 of the Constitution of Nepal. The demand has also been made to immediately complete the survey and distribute land ownership certificates to beneficiaries in lands where surveys and mapping were not completed by previous commissions.

Similarly, the conference concluded that the process of implementation should be carried forward by continuing the studies, surveys, mapping, and record-keeping carried out by previous commissions.

The conference demanded that the victims of the Tinau-Danab corridor in Rupandehi be provided with appropriate compensation and alternative resettlement, and that citizens who have been residing for 20 years on approximately 850 bighas of land allocated for the Motipur Industrial Area be provided with land ownership certificates according to past agreements. The conference also demanded that the forceful eviction, demolition of houses, and inhumane treatment of landless and squatters across the country using bulldozers be immediately stopped.

The government has been urged to provide land and housing in safe and organized alternative locations for families residing in flood, landslide, inundation, and other high-risk areas.

The conference demanded the immediate end of all acts of oppression, arrest, threats, violence, and human rights violations against the squatter community and the full protection of their constitutional and human rights.

Representatives from 22 districts of the country participated in the conference organized by the Landless Squatters Struggle Committee Rupandehi. Representatives from districts such as Banke, Bardia, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Dang, Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Jhapa, and Palpa reached Butwal.

A demonstration was also held in Butwal on Sunday before the conference. The conference formed a 75-member national committee chaired by Khagendra Prasad Poudel. Members of the committee include Birmana Lama, Rajkumar Bhattarai, Bal Bahadur Pariyar, Narendra Darji, Manimar Lama, Sarita Barah, among others. The conference also decided to form a national-level struggle committee and conduct a three-phase movement.

According to the coordinator of the advisory committee, Birendra, the first phase includes holding a press conference in Kathmandu, submitting memorandums to local levels, organizing public gatherings and interaction programs, and surrounding district administration offices. The second phase involves submitting a joint memorandum to the Prime Minister, concerned ministers, and leaders of major political parties, and conducting street dialogues and interaction programs with parliament, political parties, and the National Human Rights Commission. The third phase will involve conducting a strong movement centered in Kathmandu. This includes organizing marches, sit-ins, demonstrations, and vigil assemblies focused on Singha Durbar. Additionally, temporary settlements (tent protests) will be organized in areas where squatters have been removed, political and diplomatic efforts will be strengthened, and international human rights organizations will be informed.

Formal attention will also be drawn to the United Nations housing rights body.