Evicted landless families demand resettlement, land ownership rights

Evicted families from Kathmandu Valley's informal settlements have formally requested the government to provide them with resettlement and land ownership rights. These families, displaced from areas including Thapathali and Jadibuti, are currently residing in a holding center in Kirtipur. They claim the state forcibly removed them without offering adequate alternatives or compensation, leading to severe disruptions in their employment, education, and daily lives.

The situation at the holding center is dire, with residents reporting critical shortages of basic health services, medicine, and nutritious food. The memorandum highlights a tragic incident where a resident, Bheshraj Pariyar, reportedly died due to a lack of prompt medical treatment, and several children are in intensive care. Concerns about safety and privacy, particularly for women and children, have also been raised.

Expressing their anguish, the affected individuals questioned their inhumane treatment by the state, stating, "Are we animals? Why are we being treated as if we can be sold and fed like livestock? Do we, the poor, landless and informal settlers, not have human rights?" They condemned the use of derogatory terms like "encroachers" and "mafias" by state agencies.

The families are demanding permanent land rights, an immediate cessation of evictions without alternative arrangements, and urgent improvements to the conditions at the holding center. They also seek fair compensation for losses incurred and long-term resettlement programs. Furthermore, they are calling for an independent investigation into officials allegedly responsible for rights violations. The families have warned that if their demands for land ownership and resettlement are not addressed within a week, they will peacefully reoccupy their former settlements.

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Are we animals? Why are we being treated as if we can be sold and fed like livestock? Do we, the poor, landless and informal settlers, not have human rights? If we do, why is the state treating us in such inhumane ways?