Slum dwellers resist KMC demolition drive

Kathmandu: Slum dwellers around the Bagmati corridor in Thapathali area violently resisted the demolition drive undertaken by the Kathmandu Metropolitan Monday.

The settlers threw petrol bombs and burnt tyres as the Metropolitan demolition squad reached the site along with bulldozers and other equipments a week after the deadline given them to vacate was over.

According to the KMC, the area that is part of the Bagmati integrated civilization project is being occupied ‘illegally’ by the people who have been living there refusing to vacate it .

The settlers, over 1,000 in number raised slogans against Kathmandu Mayor and warned that they will resist all attempt to vacate them without providing alternate site. “Balen Shah Murdabad, Garib Marna Paidaina (You can not kill the poor), were among the slogans they raised, threatening that they were ready to die instead of surrendering.

The KMC had issued notice asking the settlers there to vacate unauthorized possession of the site by November 20, but intervention by politicians, especially from the Nepali congress side promising to support their cause, delayed the action by the KMC.

Prakashman Singh had expressed his solidarity with the settlers when they took out a procession in protest against the notice.

The KMC team that deployed its dozer, is still there, with the KMC saying it is not going to bow before any unlawful occupation of its property.

Below are the pictures captured by Barsha Shah, Deshsanchar;