KATHMANDU: Squatters affected by the government’s plan to clear settlements along riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley have staged protests, demanding an immediate halt to the eviction drive.
On Friday, displaced locals reached the office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), urging party leaders to intervene and stop the use of bulldozers.
Security has been tightened around the party office amid concerns of possible tension, with a heavy deployment of police personnel in the area.
Following government directives, police had begun public announcements in affected areas from Thursday evening, asking residents to vacate the settlements.
Authorities have given squatters until Friday evening to leave. Officials say announcements will continue throughout the day, with preparations underway to begin demolition using bulldozers from early Saturday morning.
The eviction plan has sparked concern among residents, who are demanding proper rehabilitation measures before being forced to leave their homes.
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