KATHMANDU: Victims of the Hetauda road expansion project staged a protest at Maitighar on Tuesday, playing traditional instruments and holding placards to draw attention to their grievances over demolition and compensation.
The protesters accused the government of using bulldozers to demolish private property for road expansion without providing fair and adequate compensation. They said repeated demands raised at the local level have gone unaddressed, forcing them to bring their protest to the capital.
Member of the Hetauda Basobas Sanrakshan Samiti, Bhuvan Shrestha, said the demonstration was organised in Kathmandu after the government failed to respond to their concerns. According to him, affected residents travelled from Hetauda to Maitighar to make their voices heard.
Locals said houses and shops in the main market areas of Hetauda were demolished after authorities enforced a 25-yard road boundary. They argued that the expansion was carried out unilaterally, leaving many families displaced and economically strained.
Gathering at Maitighar, the protesters displayed placards and played dhimay-style traditional drums as a symbolic form of resistance, demanding just compensation and a review of the road expansion process.
Photos: Nepal Photo Library
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