Tilganga residents protest against alleged forced eviction (photos)
The affected locals claim that during the implementation of the Pashupati master plan in 2071 BS, an agreement was reached with the Trust for land substitution and compensation.
KATHMANDU: Residents of Tilganga B-13 staged a sit-in protest in front of the office of the Pashupati Development Trust on Wednesday, alleging that they were forcibly evicted from their settlement despite prior agreements for land compensation.
The affected locals claim that during the implementation of the Pashupati master plan in 2071 BS, an agreement was reached with the Trust for land substitution and compensation.
According to them, they were promised relocation to Gothatar with 4 aana of land in exchange for their existing settlement.
Protesters alleged that, instead of implementing the agreed master plan, authorities deployed bulldozers in their settlement, labeling them as squatters.
They strongly rejected the “squatter” classification, insisting that many of them possess land ownership certificates (lalpurja), while others reside on Guthi land used for religious and cultural activities, including festivals and rituals.
They further claimed that while residents of areas such as Pashupati Bazaar and Banakali received alternative land under the same relocation plan, Tilganga residents were excluded and unfairly listed as squatters.
According to the protesters, the agreement with the Trust involved a mutual land transaction based on government valuation—where residents would sell their land at official rates and receive alternative plots valued under the same system. They say this commitment has not been fulfilled.
During the protest, demonstrators displayed placards with slogans such as: “Bulldozer terror has left us homeless,” “We are victims, not offenders,” “We are locals, not squatters,” “Why demolish settlements outside river and road standards?” and “Where is relocation as per the master plan?”
They also questioned delays in implementation of the master plan, arguing that although relocation sites were identified, affected families were not moved accordingly.
Protesters further demanded accountability over alleged demolition orders issued within a UNESCO World Heritage area and called for action against those responsible.
