Squatters staged a sit-in after Balen requested govt assistance in removing squatters (with photos)

KATHMANDU: The United Squatters’ Front Nepal began a sit-in in Maitighar Mandla today, demanding that their settlements not be removed without the option of permanent residence.

On Thursday, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Sah requested assistance from Home Minister Rab I Lamichhane in removing the disorderly squatter settlements on the river’s banks and on public land. They began a sit-in the day after Balen requested assistance, demanding local accommodations.

They held a rally in Maitighar around 11 a.m. on Friday under the leadership of the squatters’ campaigners marched from Maitighar to New Baneshwor.

They have raised slogans such as ‘Unconditionally withdraw the false complaint against the land campaigner’, ‘Stop squatting without a permanent alternative to land ownership’, and ‘Distribute red supplies to squatters in accordance with the Land Act’.

Since the Kathmandu Metropolitan City began efforts to remove the squatter settlements in Thapathali a few months ago, the squatters have been protesting in stages in response to the government’s initiative.

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-Saroj Basnet