- Protests erupted in Kathmandu against forced evictions of squatters without rehabilitation, posing a major political challenge to Prime Minister Balen Shah’s administration.
- Public anger intensified after a self-immolation incident and reports of police violence against young activists visiting flooded temporary settlements.
- The demonstrations reflect broader frustration over economic hardship, unemployment, and the government’s failure to deliver on promised governance reforms.
- Rights advocates and opposition leaders demand a halt to evictions until safe housing and realistic rehabilitation plans are provided for vulnerable families.
Kathmandu, Nepal: What began as a campaign to clear public land has turned into the first major political challenge for Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)-led government, as hundreds of people, most of them young protesters, filled the streets of Kathmandu on Sunday to oppose the eviction of homeless families without a clear plan for their rehabilitation.
Gathering outside a government office under the banner of the Joint National Squatters Front, demonstrators demanded that the government immediately halt forced evictions, stop arresting activists, and provide safe and permanent housing for families who have lost their homes.
For many protesters, the issue goes beyond illegal settlements. They say it is about protecting some of the country's most vulnerable people from being pushed into even greater hardship without any alternative place to live.
The protests come at a difficult time for Prime Minister Balen Shah's government, which is already facing criticism over its economic performance. Despite enjoying a strong parliamentary majority and entering office with promises of good governance and swift reforms, the administration is increasingly being accused by critics of failing to create jobs, revive the economy, and respond to growing public frustration over rising living costs.
Public anger has deepened following the self-immolation of Ganesh Nepali, an incident that has shocked many across the country and added an emotional dimension to the growing discontent. Although the circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain under investigation, the incident has become a powerful symbol for those who believe the government has failed to hear the voices of ordinary citizens.
The situation became more tense after heavy rainfall and flooding hit a temporary settlement in Kathmandu on Friday, where around 150 displaced people had been relocated after earlier eviction drives. Security personnel evacuated the residents, but the flooding renewed concerns about whether the temporary shelters were safe and suitable.
A day later, several GenZ activists visited the settlement to meet displaced families and assess their condition. Police dispersed the group using batons, and one activist suffered facial injuries before being taken to hospital. Images of the injured protester spread rapidly on social media, triggering fresh outrage and prompting more young people to join Sunday's demonstration.
Nepali Congress leader Gagan Kumar Thapa criticised the government for arresting activists and called for their immediate release, saying democratic governments should listen to peaceful protesters instead of responding with force.
The unfolding crisis carries particular political significance. Before coming to power, Balen Shah had publicly supported the GenZ-led movement that organised mass protests against the government of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli last year. Today, many of those same young people are directing their frustration at Shah's own administration, reflecting how quickly public expectations can turn into disappointment when promised reforms fail to materialise.
Political observers say the current demonstrations are no longer just about the eviction of squatters. Instead, they have become a broader expression of frustration over economic hardship, unemployment, governance, and what many perceive as a growing disconnect between the government and ordinary citizens.
The Shah government maintains that its anti-encroachment campaign is necessary to reclaim public land and enforce the law. However, rights advocates argue that enforcing the law should not come at the expense of basic human dignity. They say families should not be removed from their homes unless the government first provides safe housing and a realistic plan for rehabilitation.
Earlier this year, the government also faced criticism over its decision to impose customs duties on Indian goods, while allegations of corruption involving the Home Minister added to public dissatisfaction.
As protests continue to grow, the Shah administration faces increasing pressure to strike a balance between enforcing the law and protecting vulnerable communities. Whether the government chooses dialogue or confrontation in the coming days may determine not only the future of the eviction campaign but also the level of public trust in one of Nepal's most powerful governments in recent years.
