Durga Prasai Warns Government Against Displacement Without Fair Compensation for Road Expansion

Social activist and pro-monarchy figure Durga Prasai has issued a stern warning to the government, demanding an immediate halt to the demolition of citizens' homes in the Makwanpur-Hetauda market area for road expansion without providing adequate compensation and a long-term resettlement plan.

Drawing a sharp contrast with neighboring India, he pointed out that the Indian government pays citizens three times the government-fixed rate for land acquisition before proceeding with development projects like railway tracks or road networks. In Nepal, he argues, the situation is the exact opposite.

Prasai insists, "The State must be a Protector, not a Predator," and demanded that the work of rendering people landless and squatter families homeless be stopped immediately. 

He stressed that the government's role is to keep the public safe, not displace them, suggesting that alternative routes can be used for the road expansion project.

He affirmed that his group is in continuous dialogue and negotiation with the government, emphasizing that discussion is the only path to a solution.