KATHMANDU, May 1: All Nepal Squatters Association (Akhil Nepal Sukumbasi Sangh) has warned of launching a nationwide indefinite general strike if the government fails to halt forced evictions of landless settlers without providing alternatives.
Organizing a press conference in Kathmandu on Thursday, the organization announced a protest movement, accusing the state of spreading fear by using bulldozers in various squatter settlements and displacing people without proper rehabilitation measures.
The organization said that, in the first phase of the movement, it would urge all concerned stakeholders to honor past commitments made to landless Dalits, squatters and unmanaged settlers, and to immediately stop forceful evictions.
Baburam Bhattarai supports signature campaign for Rabi Lamichha...
In the second phase, the group said it would obstruct the Mechi–Mahakali Highway and launch a nationwide signature campaign demanding the recall of the Prime Minister for allegedly failing to work in the public interest.
Association chairman Amar Pariyar said the organization was compelled to protest due to increasing incidents of forceful displacement.
“In the first phase, we will remind stakeholders of the commitments made to landless Dalits, squatters and unmanaged settlers, and request an immediate halt to forceful evictions,” Pariyar said.
“If our concerns are ignored, we will move to the second phase by blocking the Mechi–Mahakali Highway and launching a nationwide signature campaign to recall the Prime Minister for not acting in the people’s interest,” he said.
The organization further warned that if their demands are not addressed through peaceful protests, they would intensify the movement, along with a nationwide indefinite general strike.
