If we don’t find a suitable alternative to the landless squatters, we will build huts in the old place

Kathmandu. The landless squatters are dissatisfied with the government’s attempt to forcibly evict them from the holding centre by paying only Rs 25,000 in the name of relief without providing an alternative to permanent management. Two months ago, the government had brought them to the holding centers with the assurance of removing the unsafe settlements and providing a permanent solution within 60 days.

However, instead of fulfilling the commitment, the government forced them to manage the held center with Rs 25,000 within five days.

The squatters have pasted a ‘victims’ letter of concern’ outside the holding center, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s style. They have warned that they will be forced to return to their old settlements if they are forcibly evicted without showing a permanent alternative and place to stay.

They allege that the current head of government, who had promised to give land ownership certificates during the elections, is now making them miserable. The victims, who have been staying at the center for the past two months, have complained that food and other basic facilities are difficult and the education of the children is in confusion.

They have been waiting for the sustainable management of the government amidst the heat and hardship and have put forward a 5-point demand to the government after a notice was suddenly issued to them to step down.

Main Demands of Squatters

1. Immediately collect the details of the families who have been displaced through the local government as the Land Problem Resolution Committee has already been formed.

2) The problem should be solved by giving first priority to the families who have been forcibly displaced.

3) Adequate service facilities should be provided in the holding center until permanent management is done or a safe place to go should be shown.

4. Make appropriate and appropriate permanent management centered on squatters and unsystematic settlers as mentioned in the government policies and programs.

5) Otherwise, the squatters have warned that they will be forced to return to their original settlements if they try to evict them without a permanent alternative.

Letter of Concern