Bagmati committee issues ultimatum for squatters to vacate Kirtipur center

The Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee has issued a five-day ultimatum for squatters to vacate the holding center in Kirtipur. The notice, posted at the center on Tuesday (Jestha 9), has caused panic among the squatters.

Squatter Dambar Tamang expressed concern about where to go next, as his children are enrolled in school in Balkhu and there is uncertainty about their future.

The committee has instructed the squatters to vacate the Kirtipur holding center through self-management by Ashadh 12. However, the committee’s information officer, Top Bahadur Baniya, clarified that the notice does not mandate evacuation by Jestha 12. Instead, applications will be collected for the government’s promised Rs 25,000 assistance, which will be provided once new accommodations are found.

Baniya explained, “It’s not about vacating by Jestha 12. The notice is about collecting applications for the Rs 25,000 assistance as per the government’s decision. The funds will be provided after finding new rooms.”

On Baisakh 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20, various settlements along the riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley were cleared. Those displaced were relocated to Kirtipur, Raniban, Kavre, Bhaktapur, and some were accommodated in hotels.

Baniya stated that all squatters have been asked to self-manage their relocation. However, Madan Kami, residing in Kirtipur, said they are unable to manage relocation by Jestha 12 as instructed. “After being identified as squatters, we were evicted from our homes. Who will rent us a room? We cannot vacate just because we are told to,” he said, adding, “Some of us have even said we would rather die here.”

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City is responsible for managing the squatters in Kirtipur, but it has been unable to provide food due to financial constraints. Currently, an organization named Shanti Sewa is providing meals to the squatters. The metropolitan city has cited a lack of funds as the reason for not being able to supply food.