Ghising urges government to provide long-term and humanitarian solution to landless squatters problem

Kathmandu. Talking to media persons after inspecting the Kirtipur-based squatters’ shelter (holding center), Ghising said that it was unfortunate that the displaced people were removed without proper management. During the inspection, Ghising said that the situation of landless squatters in the shelter was very difficult.

So far, 3,159 people have been screened there. He drew the attention of the government to immediately relocate the displaced people to safer places and make permanent arrangements. He said that the uncertainty of the settlement has seriously affected the education of children and the health of the citizens.

Describing the recent case of suicide as unfortunate, he stressed that the government should be serious about such issues. Stating that the government has a two-thirds majority and a clear five-year term, he suggested the government to move ahead in a sensible manner without taking any decision in haste.

He said, “The current government land (holding center) for the displaced people is itself a submergence zone. Many families are forced to live in the same tent, which is not suitable from the health and social point of view. Many children have been able to go to school only from today and some have even had their exams affected.

The displaced people are facing mental stress as they are facing difficulties in getting health care and not being able to pay the bank interest due to the loss of jobs and business. Earlier, the settlements should have been removed only after making a management plan, but the problem has become complicated as the government has chosen the wrong path. ’

Stating that the problem of landless squatters is a common problem across the country, he said that the problem of landless squatters should be identified between the real landless and the affluent class grabbing government land. Urging the government not to suppress the constitutionally guaranteed rights to housing and land, he urged the government to bring an integrated management plan linking education, health and employment.