Landless Dalits Demand Dignified Resettlement Over Relief

Kathmandu. Landless Dalits, landless squatters, and irregularly settled families residing at the holding center in the Radhaswami area of Kirtipur have demanded that the government arrange for dignified resettlement rather than relief.

Through a press release, they expressed their views on the notice issued by the Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee for affected families to submit applications for relief, stating that applying for relief is not a long-term solution.

According to the press release, about half of the families in the holding center have already submitted applications for relief, and the remaining are also in the process of submitting them. However, they clarified that their main need is not relief but for the state to arrange alternative housing in a proper and dignified manner.

The affected families stated that demolishing houses and providing some amount of money without ensuring alternative housing is not a solution to the problem. They said that housing is a fundamental need of citizens, and it is the constitutional, legal, and moral duty of the government to properly resettle displaced citizens.

The press release also warned that any action to threaten, pressure, deprive of rights, or withhold future services from any affected family based on not submitting a relief application would not be acceptable.

The affected families have put forward a three-point demand to the government. They have demanded the arrangement of dignified alternative housing instead of relief, negotiation with all affected families to implement a long-term resettlement plan, and no discrimination or pressure on any citizen based on relief applications.

The affected families have expressed their commitment to continue their struggle peacefully and democratically for their rights, dignity, and just resettlement, and to continue residing in the holding center until a sustainable management is established.