KATHMANDU: Chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party Harka Sampang has objected to the government’s ongoing removal of squatter settlements in various parts of the country, accusing it of acting in an authoritarian manner.
In a statement, Sampang expressed concern that the demolition drive violates Article 37 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, and urged the government to immediately halt such actions. He also called for proper compensation and resettlement arrangements for those affected before any eviction process is carried out.
He further argued that forcibly evicting residents, destroying homes, and creating fear through the use of security forces goes against Article 16 (1) of the Constitution. According to him, such actions undermine democratic values and reflect an undemocratic approach by the state.
Sampang also stated that the long-standing issue of squatter settlements has worsened due to the state’s failure to manage them over decades. He claimed that many of these settlements may have developed with the knowledge or approval of previous local and state authorities.
He emphasized that any clearance of public land should be carried out only after ensuring adequate compensation and proper, orderly resettlement of affected citizens.
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