Squatters' settlement in Gairigaun vacated

Kathmandu, April 25: The squatters' settlement in Gairigaun in Kathmandu Metropolis–9 was vacated on Saturday. Houses and makeshift structures in the area were removed from the government level. It is said that such structures were constructed by encroaching upon public land.

The official team has also moved toward Sinamangal to clear another squatters' settlement there. The government has directed that a drive to demolish structures said to be built unlawfully be launched, and it has been underway since this morning.

The campaign is being assisted by the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police. With a significant security presence, temporary and permanent structures in Gairigaun and Sinamangal were dismantled, said Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson and Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu District Police Office.

As police said, the demolition campaign has so far faced no major obstructions or clashes. According to the Metropolitan Police, at least 100 houses and makeshift structures were demolished in Gairigaun alone. (RSS)