Kathmandu: Harkaraj Rai, Chairman of the Labour Culture Party, has strongly opposed the government’s move to remove squatter settlements.

After visiting the recently cleared settlements in Thapathali, Kathmandu on Monday, Rai said that forcing poor and landless citizens onto the streets is unacceptable. He stressed that squatters are also Nepali citizens and their basic rights—including food, shelter, and clothing—must be guaranteed.

“Squatters should not be displaced; they are also citizens of this country. This nation belongs to the poor as well,” he said.
Rai argued that pushing vulnerable communities into homelessness goes against the state’s responsibility. He called on the government to ensure proper housing arrangements for those affected by the evictions.

Emphasizing inclusive governance, he urged authorities to prioritize the needs of all sections of society and to develop a long-term, humane solution to the issue of squatter settlements.