Hundreds of people took to the streets of Kathmandu on Monday to protest against the Nepal government’s eviction of squatters, accusing authorities of removing families without providing proper rehabilitation or permanent housing.
The demonstration, organised by the Joint National Squatters Front, was held outside a major government office in the capital. Protesters carried placards demanding an end to forced evictions and calling on the government to respect the rights of displaced families.
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Slogans such as ‘End atrocity against the poor’, ‘Respect human rights’, ‘Stop illegal arrests’ and ‘Provide shelter to squatters’ were seen throughout the protest.
Growing Gen-Z participation fuels movement
The protest movement has gained strong support from young activists and is widely being described as Nepal’s first major public challenge to the government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah.
Many participants have criticised the authorities for relocating landless families to temporary holding centres, arguing that the conditions there are unsuitable and inhumane. The increasing involvement of Gen-Z activists has drawn comparisons with the youth-led demonstrations that swept Nepal last year.
According to local reports, several activists, students and journalists have been detained in recent days while raising concerns over the treatment of displaced families.
Tensions rise after recent incidents
Public anger intensified earlier this month after a 25-year-old protester, Ganesh Nepali, set himself on fire in Kathmandu. The incident reportedly occurred after city police allegedly locked his motorcycle with a wheel clamp.
The situation became more volatile after floods struck a temporary settlement in Kathmandu on Friday, where around 150 evicted people had been living. Security personnel evacuated the residents, but when a group of youth activists visited the site the following day to assess the situation, police dispersed the gathering using batons.
One activist sustained facial injuries during the police action and was later admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa criticised the government’s handling of the protests and called for the immediate release of detained activists.
Meanwhile, police in Koshi Province, about 206 kilometres from Kathmandu, arrested 26 people on Monday for protesting in support of those already taken into custody.
Thousands affected by eviction drive
The government’s eviction campaign began in April across Kathmandu Valley and other parts of Nepal. Since then, authorities have demolished shelters belonging to more than 2,600 families, affecting nearly 15,000 people.
Officials say 325 of those families are currently staying in temporary holding centres located across Kathmandu.
On July 2, the government instructed residents of the holding centres to vacate the facilities by July 6. However, at least 60 families refused to leave, saying they had no alternative place to live.
Political challenge for Prime Minister Balen Shah
The ongoing protests are emerging as a significant political test for Prime Minister Balen Shah, who previously enjoyed strong backing from Nepal’s younger generation.
Shah first gained national recognition during his tenure as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, where he was credited with introducing urban reforms and development projects. He was also named among Time magazine’s Top 100 Emerging Leaders of 2023.
First published on: Jul 13, 2026 07:26 AM IST
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