Kathmandu, Nepal. Bulldozer evictions in Kathmandu have sparked strong condemnation after authorities demolished homes of landless communities in Kathmandu, with mass organizations calling the actions “state terror” and warning of nationwide protests.
In a joint statement issued today, the All Nepal Peasants Federation (Revolutionary Centre), All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), Nepal Dalit Liberation Front, and All Nepal Squatters Association condemned recent bulldozer operations targeting squatters and informal settlements in the capital.
Kathmandu Bulldozer Evictions Displace Long-Settled Families
The forceful bulldozer evictions were carried out in Sifal (Ward No. 7, Kathmandu Metropolitan City) on March 11 and again on March 23 in Dahalgaun, Dhapasi (Tokha Municipality).
Residents who had lived in these settlements for decades were forcibly displaced, with homes demolished during early morning operations. The timing—during a post-election transition without a fully formed government—has raised serious political and ethical concerns.
Housing Rights and Constitutional Violations
These bulldozer evictions violate fundamental rights guaranteed by Nepal’s constitution, including the right to housing and land.
All of the affected families had already filed applications with the National Land Commission and were undergoing verification at the local level. The demolition attempts have ignored due process and exposed systemic failures of the present interim government.
Political Accountability Under Question
The Nepal bulldozer evictions have intensified criticism of both national and local authorities. The Land Problem Resolution Commission, formed by the Congress–UML coalition, was described as ineffective, with no meaningful progress reported. Meanwhile, local governments led by these same party representatives have been accused of directly overseeing eviction drives. The issue has intensified public anger among landless Dalits, informal settlers, and urban poor communities across Nepal.
Mass Organizations Demand Immediate Action
The organizations have issued urgent demands for an immediate halt to Nepal bulldozer evictions, an end to forced displacement without alternatives, compensation and rehabilitation for affected families, and legal action against responsible authorities.
They also called on the incoming government to ensure constitutional protections and enforce land rights laws.
Warning of Nationwide Protest Movement
The mass organizations warned that continued bulldozer evictions in the country could trigger nationwide protests.
They stated that peasants, workers, Dalits, and landless communities may launch mass struggles across the country if their demands are ignored.
A Growing Crisis of Urban Inequality
The Kathmandu bulldozer evictions highlight a broader issue of urban inequality and forced displacement. As cities expand, landless and working-class communities are increasingly pushed out in the name of development.
Observers warn that failure to address housing rights could escalate social tensions and deepen structural inequality in Nepal.
Why This Matters Globally
The Kathmandu evictions highlight a broader global issue: forced displacement of the urban poor in the name of development.
From South Asia to Africa and Latin America, similar patterns have raised international concerns about housing rights, inequality, and state accountability.
In Nepal, the unfolding situation may test whether constitutional guarantees translate into real protections—or remain symbolic commitments.
Full text of the joint statement:
Ensure the Constitutional Rights of the People!
Stop Forced Evictions Without Alternatives!!
Joint Press Statement
In the current transitional period following the recently concluded elections—when members of the House of Representatives have not yet taken their oath and a government has yet to be formed—on Falgun 28, 2082 (March 11, 2026), in Sifal of Ward No. 7 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and early in the morning of Chaitra 9, 2082 (March 23, 2026), in the squatter settlement at Dahalgaun, Dhapasi of Ward No. 7 of Tokha Municipality, Kathmandu district, bulldozers were used against the homes of people who have been residing there for a long time, thereby spreading state terror. We, the four mass organizations, strongly condemn and denounce these actions.
The Constitution of Nepal guarantees the right to land and housing as fundamental rights; therefore, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the safety of the people, secure housing, eliminate landlessness, and provide a dignified life. The forced demolition of the homes of landless Dalits, squatters, and informal settlers—who have been living in these areas for decades and have already registered applications with the National Land Commission formed by the Government of Nepal, currently undergoing essential local-level verification and certification—is a clear example of the anti-people character of the state. Displacing poor and working-class people in the name of development is clearly against social justice, human rights, and the spirit of the Constitution. The current government, which claims to have been formed through the strength of the GenZ Movement—where 76 people, including schoolchildren, sacrificed their lives—has, at the time of its departure, unleashed repression, injustice, and displacement upon workers and oppressed classes. This inhumane state terror is unconstitutional and condemnable. Displacing poor and working-class people in the name of development is clearly against social justice, human rights, and the spirit of the Constitution. The present government, claimed to have been formed through the strength of the GenZ Movement—where 76 people, including schoolchildren, sacrificed their lives—has, at the time of its departure, unleashed repression, injustice, and displacement upon workers and oppressed classes. This inhumane state terror is unconstitutional and condemnable.
The very forces that repeatedly attempted to demolish squatter settlements using bulldozers in the past are now in a position to come to power after the elections. The Land Problem Resolution Commission, formed by the Congress–UML coalition government, has failed to deliver any results. On the other hand, in municipalities where mayors and representatives elected from these same parties are in office, bulldozers continue to be deployed against squatter settlements, and forced evictions are being carried out. This has generated deep anger among landless Dalits, squatters, informal settlers, and all citizens deprived of land rights across the country.
We, the four mass organizations, strongly demand that the government immediately halt all bulldozer operations against squatter settlements anywhere in the country and stop forced evictions without alternatives. We also demand that the affected families be rehabilitated with compensation and that legal action be taken against the institutions and responsible individuals involved in such inhumane and anti-people acts. Furthermore, we call serious attention to the future government to ensure the land and housing rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal and the Land Act, 2021 (Eighth Amendment), and to refrain from any actions that violate these rights. Otherwise, peasants, workers, Dalits, squatters, and the broader Nepali people across the country will be compelled to launch widespread struggle—without even waiting for the first 100 days of the new government—to defend their constitutional rights, and the government itself will be responsible for the consequences arising from such a situation.
With heartfelt revolutionary greetings.
Signatories:
Chitra Bahadur Shrestha
Chairperson, All Nepal Peasants Federation (Revolutionary Centre)
Jagat Bahadur Simkhada
Chairperson, All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF)
Daljit Shripali
Chairperson, Nepal Dalit Liberation Front
Amar Pariyar
Chairperson, All Nepal Squatters Association
Date: Chaitra 9, 2082 (March 23, 2026)
