Current Conditions Are Manageable, But Future Remains Uncertain for Displaced Communities

At the holding center in Kirtipur, concerns about the situation of displaced people surfaced when police denied their entry. The center currently accommodates 192 individuals, including displaced persons, among whom 41 are students attending Janvikas Secondary School. The federal government is conducting screening for identification purposes, delaying any decision on their relocation from the holding center.

On 25th Baisakh, Kathmandu — Upon arriving at the entrance of the holding center in Kirtipur for reporting, police barred our media team from entering despite our identification and explaining the purpose. Both Nepal Police and two municipal police officers from Kathmandu reiterated that higher authorization is required for entry.

Meanwhile, two displaced women approached the gate carrying yogurt they had purchased. The police insultingly remarked that they had likely bought alcohol under the guise of yogurt. The women responded that they preferred a meal without yogurt. Ms. Samjana Tamang was willing to talk but reluctant to be photographed. She mentioned that the media has created unnecessary hype by highlighting negative aspects. Her words revealed that displaced individuals fear both the authorities and the media.

Ms. Tamang shared that she has spent two weeks at the holding center, describing the government tent she occupies as a ‘shack.’ Though the food arrangements are adequate, living conditions are very uncomfortable. She smiles when seeing the children, and they smile back. However, she expressed worry that prolonged stay could deteriorate people’s well-being. She appeals to the government to provide a safe environment to secure the future of their children.

However, the police also pressured her to seek psychiatric help, intimating where such services were available. Ms. Tamang made clear she did not want to visit a psychiatrist and conveyed her anxiety. While she conversed with the police, other displaced people arrived at the gate, where their names were logged before going outside.

Though police attempted to present the center’s conditions positively to those denied entry, spending an hour at the gate revealed a contrast between official accounts and the realities inside.

At the entrance, 66-year-old Sita Nepali, who had lived in Gairigaun, Sarlahi for many years, was found. After her settlement was demolished by a bulldozer, she sought refuge here. She expressed concerns about floods submerging her hut and the bulldozer worsening her uncertainty.

Also present was 52-year-old Anita Rai from Thapathali’s displaced community, who had lived with her husband there. Following the government’s demolition of their home, they are forced to live in a makeshift shelter. Despite relocation, displacement has worsened their situation.

Rajkumar Maji, also from Thapathali settlement, aimed to travel daily to Shankhamul for work. After marriage and increased expenses, he shifted to a riverside settlement. Since demolition of government-built housing, he has been unable to repay debts. The government has yet to decide on their relocation plan. He stated, “The government must either help me repay my debts or secure employment. I refuse to move to an apartment. What will I eat or do there? Is life only about having a place to stay?”

Geeta Lama is also at the Kirtipur holding center. Before the demolition of the Thapathali settlement, her house was already damaged. She is worried about the continuous rain ruining her belongings. She said, “We have become like delicate potters without a caregiver, unsure how long we can hold on or what to do.” Geeta does not want to move to an apartment and urges the government to provide suitable housing and employment.

Among the displaced, there are 41 students enrolled at Janvikas Secondary School located in Balkhu Ward No. 14. Kathmandu Metropolitan City is preparing a supportive environment for displaced students, and uniform measurements have already been taken.

Currently, the holding center houses 192 people, including 77 men, 50 women, 34 boys, and 31 girls. The duration of their stay remains unclear. According to Metropolitan Police Chief Bishnu Joshi, since screening is ongoing under the federal government, transfer decisions will be made only after the process is complete.