The process of removing squatters from Thapathali in Kathmandu is progressing peacefully. While there have been clashes and demonstrations in the squatter settlements in the past, this time there has been no untoward incident till 9 am.

Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishworaj Poudel said that the residents of the settlement are supporting the administration's decision. 'The city police, police and the Armed Police Force are helping to remove their belongings,' he said. 'We are preparing to take those who have no other choice to Dasharath Stadium, collect their details and send them elsewhere today.'

However, the administration has mobilized extensive security personnel to evacuate the settlement. The police and the Armed Police Force are visiting every house and asking them to remove their belongings. Media persons have been barred from entering the settlement.

Kumari Tamang, who removed her belongings from Thapathali, said that she did not know where to go after leaving the place where she has been living for 22 years. ‘I have heard that the government will keep us in a lodge, but will we fit in or not? I don’t know how,’ he told Kantipur. ‘We were in mourning because our father passed away just 6 days ago, and this has happened at this time.’

According to the administration, the government has prepared to keep those who have no alternative in different places. For that, the Satsang Bhawan in Kirtipur, the training center of the Agricultural Development Bank in Bhaktapur, the government building in Kharipati, and even vacant land have been set aside for keeping them.

Kshama Basnet, who lives with her two daughters in a squatter settlement, also said that even if they take out their belongings, they are unsure where to go.’ Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishwor Raj Poudel says that in the first phase, they will keep the stadium as a holding center and collect details.

‘The Ministry of Urban Development and its team are ready for that, after collecting details, a decision will be made on where to send the families who really need help for temporary housing,’ he said.

The administration is preparing to go to Gairigaun and other squatter settlements after Thapathali. Squatters from Shantinagar and Gairigaun, who have received information about the activities taking place in Thapathali, are busy loading their belongings in vehicles. They have said that they have only two/three days to move in.

The United National Squatter Front had demanded a reconsideration of the decision, saying that the government’s removal of squatters through security agencies without alternative arrangements would violate human rights.

While the police were preparing to remove the squatter settlements, Nepal Police has arrested Squatter Front’s acting chairman and UML leader Narayan Pariyar (Parishrami). Kathmandu Police claims that he was arrested on charges of banking offences and that it has nothing to do with other government actions.