Stop dozer terror in the rainy season!

It is the responsibility of the state to distinguish between fake and real squatters

भाद्र ३, २०८२

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Stop dozer terror in the rainy season!

What you should know

It is not justified in any way to push the poor farmers, labourers, dalits and squatter families to the streets by demolishing jhupra-chapra during the difficult time of rainy season.

While poor families are protecting their children under wet tins and roofs, the roar of the dozer has not only taken away their dignity, but also their self-esteem. It is also true that there are some 'Hukumbasi' in the name of squatters, who have profited by making land encroachment a business. But under that pretext, it is inhumane to make the real victims who have been living their sweat on the same land for decades. It is the state's responsibility to distinguish between the fake and the real, but choosing the easy way and running the bulldozer is a sign of incompetent leadership. 

The constitution has guaranteed housing and land rights to citizens. But in practice, it is a step against the spirit of the constitution for the government to show itself powerful by demolishing the roof of the poor. This has further depressed the poor and undermined trust in the state. There is no doubt that to beautify the city, the unkempt towers on the banks of the river must be demolished, the kabaddi factories inside the capital must be moved out and the butchering of animals and birds must be stopped. An orderly city is everyone's desire. But it is the state's responsibility to provide an alternative to such actions. How will the occupants be rehabilitated after demolition of an unorganized tower? If the kabaddi factory is moved out, what will be the livelihood of the workers working there? What is the professional option of the people who depend on it when the animal slaughtering center is removed? These questions must be answered.  Alternative solutions to the

problem are obvious. First, genuine victims and fake claimants must be identified in a fair manner. Secondly, a systematic resettlement program can be undertaken only after the rainy season before immediate resettlement. Thirdly, the rights of landless people who have been enjoying tillage for generations should be protected by distribution of Lalpurja. Fourth, the metropolis and municipality should introduce a long-term housing policy, through which poor families can live legally. And fifth, all processes must be driven by dialogue and participation. Running a dozer does not solve a sensitive problem. Everyone agrees to make the city modern, clean and orderly, but it is a sad thing that only the poor have to bear the burden. Until the state presents a plan with alternatives, the roar of the dozer will not be justice, only cruelty. 

Santosh Simkhada , Tokyo, Japan

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