Displaced squatters protest govt ultimatum to vacate holding centres

KATHMANDU: Residents currently staying in government-run holding centers after being displaced from riverbank settlements have expressed strong anger after receiving an ultimatum to vacate within five days.

The government has reportedly accused the displaced families of being provided with an unconditional relief package of Rs 25,000 to manage their own housing and leave the holding centers.

However, the residents argue that this decision contradicts earlier commitments made by the government, which had promised long-term solutions within 60 days while relocating them to temporary shelters just two months ago after the removal of unsafe settlements.

The Rights-Holder Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee issued a notice on Tuesday directing the displaced families to vacate the holding centers by 12 Ashar.

In response, the affected residents have voiced their dissatisfaction and on Thursday pasted a “concern letter of the victims” outside the holding centers.

In the letter, they have raised a five-point demand. They have called for proper identification, verification, and management of landless Dalits, landless squatters, and informal settlers through systematic data collection.

They have also demanded that those who were forcibly evicted be given first priority in resolving the issue.

The residents further demand that until permanent resettlement is ensured, the government must provide adequate direct services or clearly identify alternative arrangements.

They have also urged the government to implement the policies and programs already committed to addressing squatters and informal settlers through appropriate and sustainable long-term solutions.

Warning of further consequences, they stated that if they are removed from the holding centers without permanent alternatives, they will have no option but to return and rebuild makeshift shelters at their previous settlement sites.

Following the removal of high-risk settlements along riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley from 12 Baishakh, displaced families were relocated to seven designated holding centers across Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Kavre districts.

However, the government has now instructed them to leave the holding centers under a plan offering Rs 25,000 per month as rent support. The displaced residents say this amount is insufficient to sustain their livelihoods and manage housing needs.

They also complain that the government has failed to provide even basic food arrangements at the holding centers, leaving them in difficult conditions. According to them, the lack of proper management and support has further increased their distress and insecurity.

Residents allege that the government’s current actions are undermining their basic rights under the pretext of “management,” leaving them in a state of fear and uncertainty.