Govt clarifies no army deployment in squatter settlement clearance operation

KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has clarified that the government has not deployed the Nepali Army in any operation related to the removal of squatter settlements, dismissing recent concerns raised in Parliament.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Thursday while responding on behalf of Prime Minister Balen Shah, Wagle said that allegations of military involvement were inaccurate.

He explained that during the management and relocation of squatter settlements, only the Nepal Police worked in coordination with local authorities to ensure security and facilitate the process.

“The Government of Nepal has not deployed the Nepali Army in any place for demolishing squatter settlements using bulldozers,” Wagle stated. He added that police support was used only to assist in the safe relocation of people from high-risk areas in coordination with local bodies.

Wagle further clarified that the presence of security forces, including the Nepali Army, is determined by national security needs and government directives, particularly for safeguarding territorial integrity and border security—not for settlement clearance operations.

He urged lawmakers not to confuse routine security responsibilities with humanitarian relocation efforts and reaffirmed that the government remains committed to protecting the country’s borders and national security.