A Fundamental Question: Am I a Squatter or an Orderly Resident?
On April 20th, a bulldozer operated in the Tilganga area early in the morning. That day, the operation and demolition of houses was not unexpected. Previously, bulldozers had been used in various parts of Kathmandu under the pretext of removing squatter settlements. The relocation of local residents in Tilganga was part of the master plan of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, aimed at further organizing the Pashupati area. According to this master plan, the houses were demolished but no compensation was provided, nor were the local residents relocated. However, on that same day in Tilganga, not only the houses but also the hearts of the local residents — including myself — were shattered. When houses are demolished, it is not just bricks and stones that fall apart, but countless memories, childhood moments, joys, sorrows, and dreams are simultaneously destroyed. That area was not merely a location for me; it was my childhood world where I once envisioned a bright future. After the ground was reduced to dust, I returned the next morning to see the remaining bricks, stones, and earth that once formed our homes. I do not know why tears began streaming down my face upon arrival. Perhaps my mind was recalling my childhood — flashes of playing with friends, the embrace of grandparents and parents all came to mind, making me weep. Even if we do not always value what we have before, losing them incites deep sorrow, which is human nature. I experienced the very same feeling. As a married daughter, people say a daughter also cherishes her maternal home lovingly, yet here, I had nothing resembling my maternal home. It was natural that my heart could not hold back tears.
Pointing to the remaining bricks and stones, I recorded a short video on my mobile phone and uploaded it to social media, particularly on TikTok. The video quickly reached a large audience. Recalling the comments even today makes me feel anger and sadness. I did not post the video out of personal grievance but to reveal people’s mindsets. In some places, I felt saddened by the kind of mentality we live with. I never claimed to be a squatter in the video, yet commenters labeled me as one. My post was flooded with comments such as “A squatter holding an iPhone,” “The luxurious life of a squatter,” “Squatter speaking English with an iPhone,” among hundreds of similar remarks.
According to the decisions under the trust’s master plan, a portion of the 534 ropani land in Gothatar was to be allocated for infrastructure development and housing expansion, and the affected households were to be resettled there. However, this decision was not implemented, houses were demolished, and we endured injustice. The mindset that those living in squatter communities should not even speak English reflects the current state of our society. Social media did not only label me a squatter but compounded the narrative by calling me an “orderly resident” as well. It spread rumors that my brother lives in Australia, while I am actually the eldest child of my parents. Similarly, social media claimed I owned a home in Kalanki, Syuchatar and a company called Amilo Paunwala, whereas my family still lives in a rented room in Gaurighat. My father, who went abroad to support the family, continues to toil hard in Croatia. If we had owned a company and house, why would my father have to work overseas? Thus, social media made me both squatter and orderly resident simultaneously. If I am not a squatter, then why were our homes demolished?
As per the Pashupati Area Development Trust’s approved master plan, affected families in and around Tilganga were supposed to be provided land in Ghaderi according to prior policies. Out of 1,063 ropani, some land was to be allocated for infrastructure expansion and to rehabilitate affected families. Yet, this decision was not implemented, and our houses were demolished, leading to injustice. This is not a new issue—it is longstanding. Looking back, on May 6, 1994 (Baishakh 23, 2051 BS), during the tenure of then Culture Minister Bal Bahadur KC, there was a decision to take over settlement land in front of Mandir Gate and relocate 119 houses according to the master plan. On July 13, 2013 (Jestha 30, 2070 BS), during then Culture Minister Ram Kumar Shrestha’s term, a notice for acquiring land affecting 79 households in Tilganga was issued and actions proceeded. On July 16, 2014 (Asar 1, 2071 BS), during then Culture Minister Bhim Acharya’s tenure, there was a decision to allocate plots from the 534 ropani land at Gothatar to affected families. Despite all this, we have yet to receive compensation for our homes; only the land transfer remains pending.
Though the Pashupati area was to be reorganized, these decisions have remained on paper. Governments and ministers have changed repeatedly, promises have been made, yet the issue remains unresolved. Citizens living in squatter settlements have been used as vote banks for years. Having cooperated with government actions, it is natural for us to feel disheartened at being labeled squatters. Moreover, social media has further stigmatized us as “orderly residents.” We hope the current government will closely examine this issue and ensure that in delivering justice to one, no undue injustice befalls another.