News Summary
Reviewed.
- Landless squatters in Morang protested in Biratnagar demanding an end to bulldozer operations and proper resettlement arrangements.
- The rally, which started from Sansari Maithan, toured various parts of Biratnagar before staging a sit-in outside the Morang District Administration Office.
- Squatters from different areas, responding to the call of the Landless Squatters Joint Struggle Committee, asserted that the government is responsible for ensuring appropriate housing arrangements.
May 18, Kathmandu – Landless squatters staged a protest in Biratnagar against bulldozer operations carried out in their settlements. The demonstration took place on Monday following a call from the Morang Joint Struggle Committee.
They submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister via the Morang District Administration Office, demanding guaranteed housing.
Led by committee coordinator Nisha Kiran Rai, the group condemned the use of force in Kathmandu’s squatters’ settlements as inhumane and irresponsible.
They voiced concerns over the disregard for vulnerable groups including children, women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, highlighting that the demolition of settlements with bulldozers has triggered fear among squatters nationwide.
The memorandum stated, “Article 37 of the Constitution grants every citizen the right to adequate housing, and Article 51 outlines the state’s policy to regularize informal settlements. However, the government is forcibly rendering citizens homeless contrary to the Constitution and laws.”
The protesters demanded an immediate halt to the bulldozer operations in squatter settlements, the formation of a high-level inquiry committee involving meaningful participation from squatters, and that local municipalities and wards conduct surveys for proper identification and management of genuine squatters.
