Shahi Demands Home Minister's Presence in Committee Meeting over Squatter Issue

Kathmandu. A meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the Federal Parliament discussed the management of landless squatters within the Kathmandu Valley.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Gyanendra Shahi stated that the presence of the Home Minister is essential for a sensitive issue like the squatter problem.

He expressed dissatisfaction, noting that despite demands to call the Home Minister to the committee, he was not presented at the meeting. He remarked that while the Prime Minister himself should ideally attend, at the very least, the Home Minister should have been present.

He said, "The Home Minister is necessary for the problem of the squatters. We have already asked to call the Home Minister to the committee. If possible, the Prime Minister should come to the committee because the issue is sensitive. If the Prime Minister could not come, we protested in the committee saying we need the Home Minister."

Shahi alleged that journalists were removed from the meeting when the demand to call the Home Minister was made. Commenting that the government is trying to move forward arbitrarily on the basis of a majority, he urged them to follow democratic methods.

"When we asked to call him, journalists were removed from the committee. The government feels that since they have a majority, they can do anything. Please follow democratic methods. We are looking for work, not speeches. This is the Home Minister's job. He must come to the committee and provide information on what arrangements are being made for landless people. The Home Minister himself is not present at the meeting."

He mentioned that the government should present a clear plan regarding the management of squatters and landless citizens, and emphasized that the Home Minister must attend the committee to provide that information.