CPN UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel Expresses Concern Over Squatters' Plight

Kathmandu. CPN UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has expressed concern over the condition of squatters and unorganized residents who have been made homeless by the government. He mentioned in a post on social media Facebook that the pains of the squatters made public through mass media are extremely heartbreaking and sensitive. General Secretary Pokharel stated that on one hand, displacing citizens, and on the other hand, the government itself being unable to manage the holding centers it established and having to vacate them, has crossed the limits of inhumanity. He criticized the government, stating that news is coming out that even basic necessities like food and water have been cut off for the citizens dependent there, and the holding shelters considered safe have been flooded. He reminded that it is the state's first responsibility to properly manage and resettle squatters living in unsafe and unauthorized areas before removing them. He said that although attractive commitments were made by the Prime Minister at the time of eviction, nothing of that sort has been seen in practice. He stated that the situation of the displaced is becoming very complicated because evicting squatter settlements is considered an act of bravery. Pokharel demanded that the government should correct its weaknesses and mistakes in time and immediately focus on the just management of the displaced. He argued that the dignity of the rule of law can only be maintained by respecting their right to safe housing and the right to live, not by keeping citizens in fear and causing hardship. He emphasized that the Nepali society should not have to hear another unfortunate incident like that of Ganesh Nepali, and that the government's attention should be drawn to this in time.