The government has started preparations to clear four squatter settlements in the Kathmandu Valley from April 25. Prime Minister Balen Shah has assured that the current administration will work to resolve the squatter issue. Pawan Gurung, vice president of the United National Squatter Front, emphasized the need for legal solutions through dialogue and proper identification of genuine squatters. April 24, Kathmandu.
The government is preparing to evacuate four squatter settlements in the Kathmandu Valley starting tomorrow morning (Saturday). Following directives from Prime Minister Balen Shah, security agencies have begun the clearance operation. This sudden decision by the government has sparked varied reactions. Meanwhile, from early this morning, squatters in these settlements have been protesting, and some residents have been hurriedly relocating their belongings. The Kathmandu District Administration Office issued a special notice stating that the clearing process must be completed by 7 pm today.
Prime Minister Shah assured that the current government is committed to resolving the squatter problem and identifying genuine squatters. Following this assurance, we spoke with Pawan Gurung, vice president of the United National Squatter Front, who expressed hope for a long-term solution after dialogue. “We do not seek confrontation or conflict. Our stance is to find peaceful and legal solutions through dialogue,” he said.
Gurung stressed the necessity for the government to fully implement the assurances given by the Prime Minister. “The government has repeatedly entered agreements only to betray them. This time, that must not happen. Additionally, genuine squatters must be properly identified,” he added. He also appealed for the safe relocation of the current settlement residents.
