12-Point Memorandum to Be Submitted to Government; 75-Member Central Committee Formed

The National Assembly of Landless Squatters and Informal Settlers has formed the Nepal Landless Squatters and Settlers Protection Central Committee. The assembly demanded an immediate halt to forced evictions and demolition of homes, along with submitting a 12-point memorandum to the government. The assembly has also decided to hold a press conference on May 21, submit the memorandum on May 24, and organize a street interaction on May 27. (Dates converted from Nepali calendar: Jestha 8 = May 21, Jestha 11 = May 24, Jestha 14 = May 27) The announcement was made on May 18 in Butwal.

The national assembly, held in Butwal, formed the Nepal Landless Squatters and Settlers Protection Central Committee. Alongside this, a 75-member ad hoc committee was established under the coordination of Khagendra Paudel of Butwal. Members include Harish Giri and Prem Bohara from Dang; Virman Lama, Risab Pokharel, Rajkumar Bhattarai, Bibek Gubhaju, Purn Bahadur Bik, and Tej Bahadur Kunwar Kshetri from Rupandehi.

The assembly has passed a working paper including the 12-point demands to be submitted to the government. The national assembly has urgently demanded the immediate cessation of forced evictions using bulldozers, demolition of homes, and inhumane treatment targeting landless Dalits, squatters, and informal settlers nationwide. Additionally, it requests the swift completion of remaining administrative and legal procedures in areas where survey and mapping have been completed in accordance with the Land Act, followed by expedited distribution of ownership certificates (lalpurja).

It also calls for providing land ownership certificates to informal settlers within the maximum residential area defined by the Land Act, by charging minimal fees from the registration revenue collected by the land revenue office. Moreover, it seeks smooth distribution of land ownership certificates within the maximum area established by the Land Act for agricultural purposes.

The national assembly, as informed by campaign advisor Birendra Bik, has decided to hold a press conference in Kathmandu on May 21, submit the memorandum to the Prime Minister, ministers, top leaders of political parties, and human rights activists on May 24, and conduct a street interaction in Kathmandu on May 27 in the presence of political party heads, land experts, and intellectuals. Furthermore, programs for street dialogue and interaction with parliament, political parties, and the National Human Rights Commission will be conducted, followed by launching a strong nationwide movement centered in Kathmandu in the third phase.