Kathmandu: Residents living at the Kirtipur Holding Center have begun protesting, citing severe shortages of food and basic necessities. The affected families, many of whom were displaced after government-led demolitions of informal settlements in different parts of the Kathmandu Valley, say their living conditions have become increasingly difficult.

According to the protesters, the lack of food provisions has also affected children, with some school-going students unable to continue attending classes regularly.

Demand for Compensation, Resettlement and Land Ownership
The displaced families have issued a one-week ultimatum to the government, demanding proper management of their situation, including fair compensation, resettlement and secure land ownership rights.

A memorandum submitted on Monday was addressed to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, and members of parliament who visited the holding center for monitoring purposes.

The memorandum calls on the government to take concrete decisions regarding dignified housing, livelihood opportunities, and long-term settlement arrangements.

Warning to Return to Former Settlements
The residents warned that if the government fails to begin implementing solutions within one week, they will return to areas in the Kathmandu Valley where their homes were previously demolished, including the settlement at Thapathali.

They stated that landless Dalits, landless squatters and unorganized settlers affected by the eviction campaign may collectively return to their former settlement areas if no alternative arrangements are made.

Appeal for Constitutional and Human Rights
In their memorandum, the protesters emphasized that they are citizens entitled to constitutional protections and basic human rights.

They argued that the state has a responsibility to guarantee access to food, shelter, clothing, education, healthcare, employment and a dignified standard of living. The residents stated that if these obligations are not fulfilled, they may be compelled to peacefully re-establish themselves in their previous settlement locations.

Government Urged to Act Quickly
The memorandum further states that any humanitarian, social, health, security or legal consequences arising from the current situation would be the responsibility of the Government of Nepal, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and other concerned authorities.

Describing the document as their "final appeal for justice, dignity and protection of rights," the residents have urged the government to respond promptly and prevent the situation from escalating further.