KATHMANDU, April 27: The government’s use of force to remove structures built along encroached riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley has led to the large-scale displacement of squatter communities. Without distinguishing between genuine squatters and so-called landless,” security forces—including Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepali Army—were deployed on Saturday and Sunday to clear settlements, resulting in the eviction of vulnerable and marginalized residents.
While authorities maintain that the operation was carried out peacefully, a sense of fear and unrest lingers among the displaced. Overwhelmed by the presence of thousands of security personnel, residents were forced to abandon their homes. Yet behind the official narrative of “orderly clearance” lie deep emotional scars—fear, uncertainty, and the sudden question of survival. Tearfully, many were seen leaving after security forces cordoned off entire settlements.
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Around 10,000 security personnel were deployed over the weekend for demolition drives across squatter settlements in the Kathmandu Valley. With Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepali Army all involved, residents quietly vacated their homes. In some instances, security personnel were even seen helping transport household belongings. From a distance, the settlements appeared tightly controlled by armed forces, their overwhelming presence creating a powerful atmosphere of psychological pressure. With areas surrounded from early morning, residents had little choice but to leave.
In the Manohara squatter settlement, limited resistance was observed on Saturday evening when some residents briefly pelted stones at police and bulldozers. During the clash, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nawaraj Dhungana of Thimi Police Circle and 14 others were injured. The injured included eight Nepal Police personnel, five Armed Police Force personnel, and one journalist.
On Sunday morning from 6 AM, a large contingent of security forces again entered the area to continue the clearance operation. Some residents attempted to resist by burning tires and chanting slogans, but the effort quickly faded in the face of the overwhelming security presence. One by one, families were forced to leave behind not just their homes, but years of settlement.
In the aftermath, a quieter tragedy unfolded. Domestic animals left behind in the settlements were seen wandering unattended. Several organizations, including Sneha’s Care and CATS, stepped in to rescue, feed, and treat injured and abandoned animals. Meanwhile, household belongings scattered across the sites lay exposed—soaked by rain and left unprotected amid the ruins.
Nearly 200 students from the squatter settlements were also left stranded. The basic school located in the Manohara settlement was established in 2062 BS. It received government recognition in 2064 BS and began offering classes up to Grade 8 from 2071 BS. The school currently has 15 teachers and one administrative assistant. Without timely intervention and proper arrangements, the future of these students now hangs in uncertainty.
