Kathmandu Valley demolition drive faces criticism over evictions and constitutional concerns

A group of 28 prominent citizens in Nepal on Monday accused the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah of weakening democracy during an eviction and demolition drive in the Kathmandu Valley. The group said the state was ignoring constitutional limits and using force against vulnerable residents. The allegations came as the government cleared settlements and structures along riverbanks.

Representative image

The Balendra government has demolished more than 2,000 illegal structures in parts of the Kathmandu Valley in recent days. Opposition parties said the drive moved too fast and lacked sensitivity. Critics said landless squatters were not given enough time to collect belongings. The controversy grew as reports emerged of hardship in temporary holding centres.

Kathmandu Valley demolition drive and forced evictions

In their joint statement, the 28 signatories demanded an immediate stop to forced evictions from informal settlements. The group asked the government to follow parliamentary processes and protect press freedom. The statement also called for respect for constitutional rights to association and organisation. It said the demolition drive showed a pattern of increasingly authoritarian practice.

The statement said the evictions happened without proper verification, rehabilitation planning, or safeguards for at-risk groups. It said the drive left thousands without shelter, healthcare, or schooling access. Pregnant women and children were listed among those affected. The statement also said the evictions had already led to two suicides.

The signatories said the actions breached constitutional guarantees, including housing rights and protections for marginalised communities. The group described the use of armed security forces, including the national army, as unconstitutional and inhumane. The citizens urged full data collection before removals. They also asked the state to provide adequate housing alternatives ahead of any eviction step.

Press freedom concerns during Kathmandu Valley demolition drive

The joint statement raised concerns about limits on media reporting during the evictions. It alleged journalists faced barriers while covering the demolitions and conditions in holding centres. Some reporters were reportedly forced to delete photos and videos. The group warned such conduct harmed the public’s right to information and reduced space for public voice.

Nepali Congress response to Kathmandu Valley demolition drive

Separately, the main opposition Nepali Congress NC said on Monday the eviction of landless settlers was cruel. The party said removing residents without legal and constitutional process was inappropriate. It also criticised damage to public and religious sites during the operation. In its statement, the party said, "Forcibly removing the settlements and dismantling temples, monasteries, and school buildings by the authorities was a very sad incident.\"

The Nepali Congress added, \"The Nepali Congress strongly deplores such inhuman acts.\" The party’s criticism matched broader opposition claims that the government did not act with care. Opponents said residents needed time and support before any clearance. The government faced sustained questions over how it balanced enforcement with welfare duties.

Ordinances and constitutional questions linked to Kathmandu Valley demolition drive

The citizens’ statement also objected to the government’s growing use of ordinances. It said regular parliamentary processes were being bypassed despite the government’s near two-thirds majority. The group said suspending parliamentary sessions and using ordinances instead of debate weakened democratic governance. It added that this approach raised constitutional and legal questions about accountability and transparency.

The signatories also opposed reported plans to restrict or ban student unions, trade unions, and professional organisations. The statement said the constitution protects freedom of association and expression. It warned that curbs would breach national and international commitments, including labour rights conventions. The group presented these issues as linked to a wider squeeze on civic space.

Further, the statement criticised the removal of hundreds of officials through ordinance. The group compared the move to arbitrary purges linked with autocratic practices. It said such steps weaken due process, the rule of law, and institutional integrity. The signatories also warned of the risk of power being concentrated within a single political force.

The letter was signed by several public figures, including former minister and constitutional expert Nilambar Acharya and human rights activist Sushil Pyakurel. Other named signatories included journalist Kanak Mani Dixit, advocate Dinesh Tripathi, journalist Narayan Wagly, and diplomat Mahesh Maskey. The group said democratic checks and rights protections should guide state actions as the Kathmandu Valley drive continues.

With inputs from PTI