KATHMANDU: The family of Hiralaal Hazara Dusad, who died after being displaced following the demolition of his house without an alternative arrangement, has demanded an impartial investigation into his death along with a 12-point set of demands from the government.
Dusad’s body has been taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital following his death.
In a memorandum submitted to the National Human Rights Commission and concerned government agencies, the family and rights activists said affected families had been living under prolonged mental stress, uncertainty and fear about their future after their houses were demolished without alternative accommodation.
The 47-year-old Dusad had been living in the demolished structure for several years. Following the demolition, he and his family were displaced without an alternative arrangement and had been staying at holding centers in Kirtipur and Bodhe at different times.
The family and rights activists have demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dusad’s death.
They have called for an investigation by the National Human Rights Commission or an independent judicial inquiry committee to determine how the circumstances leading to Dusad’s death were created. They have also demanded legal action against officials and individuals found responsible.
Compensation and permanent housing demanded
The family has demanded that the state bear all expenses required for Dusad’s funeral in accordance with religious, cultural and family traditions.
It has also sought recognition of Dusad as a martyr who lost his life during the citizens’ movement concerning land and housing rights.
The family has demanded appropriate financial compensation aimed at ensuring long-term livelihood rather than limiting assistance to immediate relief. It said compensation should take into account the family’s socioeconomic condition, dependent members and future livelihood needs.
The family has also demanded immediate provision of safe and permanent land and housing with legal ownership in line with the constitutional right to housing and the right to live with dignity.
It has urged the government to seek a permanent solution rather than moving the family to another holding center.
The family has also demanded a written commitment to provide Dusad’s children with free education and full scholarships from secondary level through higher, technical and vocational education.
It has sought special employment arrangements for at least one capable member of the family in a government or public institution based on qualifications.
The family has further demanded long-term free healthcare, social security and necessary protection for Dusad’s wife, children, elderly parents and other genuine dependents.
Calls to stop forced evictions
The family and rights activists have demanded an immediate halt to demolishing houses, detaining people, creating fear and forcibly moving citizens to holding centers without prior notice, alternative arrangements and due legal process.
They have also urged authorities not to use holding centers as a permanent solution for displaced citizens.
They have called for a fair inventory of landless Dalits, landless squatters and unorganized settlers, scientific verification of evidence and transparent investigations through public hearings.
The memorandum calls for permanent solutions through relevant land commissions and legal mechanisms.
The government and National Human Rights Commission have also been urged to regularly monitor and publicly report on the housing, drinking water, food, health, education, security, sanitation and mental health conditions of families living in holding centers.
Family claims government assurances
According to Dusad’s family, the Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur had reached the site following the incident.
Family members said the CDO facilitated a phone conversation with Minister Pratibha Rawal at around 10 pm.
According to the family, Minister Rawal said she would work for the deceased’s family and was taking initiatives to arrange land with legal ownership documents.
The family said the minister also asked them to allow the body to be taken away, saying it would be difficult for her to come to the site at night.
The family further claimed that the CDO assured them that he would take responsibility for arranging employment for one family member.
The body was subsequently taken to the Teaching Hospital, according to the family.
The family has demanded that all commitments made by the government be implemented in writing and urged authorities not to treat the incident as an ordinary case until permanent housing and livelihood arrangements are secured.
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