KATHMANDU: The Madhesh government has strongly criticized the actions taken by Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balen Shah against scrap dealers over the past year.
The provincial government voiced its objection to the arrests, confiscation of goods, and alleged mistreatment of scrap dealers who have been operating in the city for years.
The objections were raised after the scrap dealers submitted a memorandum to Madhesh Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh, highlighting the impact on street vendors by KMC’s actions.
Anil Karna, Press Advisor to the Chief Minister, expressed concerns about the displacement of registered scrap dealers who have been complying with tax regulations and government procedures.
“The alleged behavior of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, which has rendered the scrap dealers and about one lakh dependent workers jobless, is worrisome and unfortunate,” said Karna.
He also stressed that instead of displacing these businesses, there are better alternatives to regulate and support them by establishing proper standards.
The Madhesh government described the actions of KMC as illegal, emphasizing that the role of scrap dealers in waste management in Kathmandu cannot be overlooked.
The statement further criticized the apparent targeting of scrap dealers, mostly from the Tarai-Madhesh region, and warned that such actions could fuel resentment and unrest in the community.
In light of the situation, the Madhesh government has called on the central government to take appropriate action, urging relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and KMC, to create a conducive environment for these businesses to operate without fear of displacement or harassment.
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