Susta Residents Protest in Kathmandu Demanding Citizenship, Land Deeds, and Border Security

Butwal. Residents of the Susta area of Nawalparasi have intensified their protest in Kathmandu, demanding an end to border encroachment and the issuance of citizenship and land deeds. They have warned that the protest will not stop until they hold talks with the Prime Minister.

The Susta residents, who came to Kathmandu in a group of more than 50 people, have put forth three main demands: land protection, and the distribution of citizenship and land deeds to those who have been living there for years.

Having started their protest on Tuesday, they met with Home Minister Sudhan Gurung on Wednesday. After resting on Thursday, they took to the streets again on Friday, stating that they had not been able to meet the Prime Minister and their demands had not been addressed. 

The protestors, who are staying in Gaushala, have reached Maitighar Mandala and are staging a sit-in protest with slogans and rallies. Protest coordinator Babu Khan said, 'Our protest will continue until we hold talks with the Prime Minister.'

लालपुर्जा, नागरिकता र सीमा सुरक्षाको माग गर्दै सुस्तावासीको आज पनि माइतीघरमा धर्ना, तस्बिरहरु

According to coordinator Khan, in the meeting with Home Minister Gurung, the government assured that the Susta border dispute would be resolved through diplomatic initiatives via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the Susta residents maintain their stance that discussions on citizenship and land deeds must be held with the Prime Minister. Khan claimed that there are 320 households across the river in Susta, and about 120 of these families are still without citizenship. 

Similarly, Adam Khan, chairman of the Susta Bachau Abhiyan (Save Susta Campaign) and a ward member, stated that some individuals, including members of families settled by the former king, are still deprived of citizenship. He said that some families were left out during the land demarcation process, and they have not yet received land deeds and citizenship, urging the government to pay immediate attention to this issue.

The history of the Susta dispute is linked to the monarchical era. In 2022 BS (1965 AD), the then King Mahendra settled 84 families in Susta to prevent Indian encroachment. However, in 2034 BS (1977 AD), a major flood changed the course of the Narayani River, forcing them to displace and move towards the Binayi Triveni area.

Later, after clearing the sand, they returned to their original place and started farming. According to Balwant Kurmi, a resident of Susta Rural Municipality and a professor, the geography of Susta changed due to the river changing its course. Nepal maintains its stance of considering the old river course as the border, while India considers the current flowing river as the basis, leaving the border dispute unresolved for decades.

It is claimed that the actual area of Susta is 40,980 hectares. However, Adam Khan stated that after the flood, India encroached upon approximately 14,000 hectares of Nepali land and made 19,480 hectares disputed. Currently, only 7,000 hectares of land are under Nepal's effective control. Locals complain that encroachment increased after Indian security forces were deployed in 2059 BS (2002 AD) and has intensified further since 2062 BS (2005 AD). For years, the residents of Susta have been fighting for land and identity, and are now on the streets of the federal capital seeking justice.