Squatter Issue Cannot Be Solved with Guns and Bulldozers: Mahesh Basnet
Mahesh Basnet has expressed concern over strict eviction drives against squatters, stating that the issue requires a humane and long-term policy approach rather than force.
CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has criticized the ongoing approach toward squatter settlement management, saying that the use of force and heavy machinery is not a proper solution.
In a social media statement, he argued that presenting such actions as development while relying on strict enforcement is misleading and ignores the humanitarian aspect of the issue.
Basnet said that the squatter problem is a social and human issue that requires dialogue and long-term policy solutions rather than forceful eviction.
He also accused the current government and Kathmandu Metropolitan leadership of prioritizing enforcement over citizens’ concerns, claiming that alternative solutions such as commission-based approaches have been ignored.
According to him, true development should ensure dignity and rights of affected citizens, not just demolition of structures.