UML Member Guru Baral Criticizes Government's Treatment of Squatters

Kathmandu. CPN-UML Member of Parliament Guru Prasad Baral has accused the government of treating squatters inhumanely. 

Speaking at Wednesday's House of Representatives meeting, MP Baral expressed his objection, stating that the government removed the squatters from their residential areas without adequate preparation and reliable alternative housing arrangements.

He stated that the government's decision to provide 15,000 rupees per family monthly for three months—covering the months of Jestha, Ashadh, and Shrawan—is impractical. "When calculating for a family of five, it amounts to only about 100 rupees per person daily. How is living around Kathmandu possible with such an amount?" he questioned.

MP Baral termed the government's move a "major inhumane assault" on the squatters. Mentioning that the 25,000 rupees the government intends to provide for temporary housing will not solve the problem, he said, "Where they were living was their temporary residence. Instead of establishing a permanent arrangement now, the government has forcibly evicted them." 

He also demanded that the government bring forward a concrete plan for the long-term management of squatters.