KATHMANDU, May 3: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has urged the government not to take action against genuine landless squatters until an empowered authority completes a detailed assessment and submits its report.
A meeting of the party’s secretariat held on Sunday at its central office in Bansthali, Kathmandu called on both federal and local governments to halt bulldozer operations in informal settlements until a long-term and secure alternative is arranged for affected residents.
RSP Spokesperson Manish Jha said the government should immediately form an empowered authority to address the problems of unmanaged settlements and landless citizens.
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According to the party, no eviction or demolition action should be carried out against genuine squatters until the proposed authority completes data collection and submits its findings.
“Except in areas already acquired by the state, bulldozers should not be used until the authority is formed and provides its report,” Jha said. “Our position is that landless squatters should be relocated to secure housing through a properly managed mechanism under an empowered authority.”
Referring to Point No. 82 of its election manifesto, the party urged the government to relocate people currently living in unsafe areas, including riverbanks, to secure housing by the end of the current fiscal year.
RSP said at least 75 percent of the management and relocation work should be completed by then through the proposed authority.
The party also expressed dissatisfaction with local governments in cities including Kathmandu, Birgunj, Butwal and Biratnagar, accusing them of demolishing structures without offering viable alternatives to residents.
RSP urged local governments to carry out management efforts in a way that protects citizens’ access to food, shelter and healthcare.
