Government will manage squatters: RSP President Lamichhane

KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane said the government will take responsibility for managing squatters and homeless citizens. He made the remarks at an informal meeting of the RSP Parliamentary Party held today in Singha Durbar. He said the government will ensure that no one among those being relocated from disaster high‑risk areas is left homeless.

Lamichhane said repeated notices have been issued to squatters in risky areas to relocate them to safe locations smoothly. He expressed concern about the safety of people forced to live near drains and in flood‑prone areas.

Quoting the president, RSP spokesperson Manish Jha said it is the government's duty to be concerned about everyone's future.

To address problems related to squatter settlements across the country, Lamichhane said a special commission would be formed to deal with the issue promptly.

He warned against politicisation of the matter. "The government will not allow any squatters to be left homeless; suggestions for necessary coordination are welcome, but unnecessary politicisation should be avoided. Forcing anyone to live at risk of floods and near sewers for 'vote bank' politics is wrong," he said.

On ordinances, Lamichhane said the government had recommended them to meet public expectations and implement necessary reforms. He said past partisanship and inappropriate appointments must be corrected before the people's expectations of the government can be fulfilled.

"Previously, the ordinances were used to split parties or suppress the opposition. The current practice is not to hurt anyone or provide favours to anyone; it is for necessary reforms," he added, saying the step is being taken within the legal framework and shows the RSP's commitment to law, political conduct and the democratic system.

Lamichhane said he is ready to provide any necessary assistance to members who face difficulties while fulfilling their duties as people's representatives and asked members not to wait for meetings but to submit their views in writing to the RSP Parliamentary Party.

(With inputs from RSS)