Protests erupt against government decision to evict squatter settlements

KATHMANDU: Protests have erupted against the government’s decision to clear squatter settlements in the capital.

Residents living along the Bagmati riverbanks in Thapathali and other areas staged demonstrations on Friday, accusing authorities of attempting to evict them abruptly without proper arrangements.

The protest was supported by the National Gen-Z Citizens Campaign. Demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as “We need rights, not displacement in the name of development,” “Injustice against the poor is unacceptable,” and “Eviction without rehabilitation is not acceptable,” while chanting anti-government slogans.

Co-coordinator of the campaign, Ajay Sodari, said they fully support the rights and interests of squatters. He accused the government of creating fear by announcing bulldozer operations and urged authorities to ensure proper identification and management of genuine squatters before taking further action.

Meanwhile, following reports that eviction would begin from Saturday morning, some residents have started moving their belongings.

The government has decided to remove landless Dalit squatters and unmanaged settlers from these areas. Preparations are underway to deploy bulldozers over the weekend to clear settlements across the Valley.

It should be noted that Prime Minister Balen Shah had earlier instructed security agencies on April 22 to proceed with clearing the settlements, paving the way for the planned eviction drive.