Protests against government’s decision to dissolve Land Commission; warning of nationwide movement

KATHMANDU: The government’s decision to dissolve the Land Problem Settlement Commission has sparked widespread criticism.

The Land Rights and Labour Organization Nepal condemned the move, calling it anti-people, unconstitutional, and a deliberate attack on the rights of landless communities.

In a press statement issued by the organization’s chair, Indra Tamang, it stated, “By deciding to dissolve the commission during the Cabinet meeting on October 9, the government has curtailed the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. This decision reflects a capitalist tendency and constitutes discriminatory and inhumane treatment toward around 1.2 million landless, squatter, Dalit, and unmanaged settlers.”

The organization noted that Articles 36, 37, 40, and 42 of the Constitution guarantee citizens’ rights to housing, land, food sovereignty, and social security. It argued that the commission had been working within the constitutional framework to identify landless citizens, collect records, conduct land measurements, and prepare for the distribution of ownership certificates (Lalpurja). Dissolving it at this stage, it said, was a “conspiracy against the people.”

Accusing the government of having a “foreign-dependent mindset,” the statement added, “This decision serves foreign interests and represents a serious degradation of democracy.”

The organization warned the government to immediately reverse its decision. “If the Land Problem Resolution Commission is not reinstated, we will be compelled to launch a nationwide people’s movement,” the statement quoted Chair Tamang as saying.

The organization also clarified that any movement would be conducted in a constitutional, peaceful, and democratic manner, while any attempt at suppression would be strongly resisted.