Squatters protest with plates and spoons at Maitighar (Pictures)

Nabin Babu Gurung

Kathmandu, May 8

A protest was held on Friday at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu against the "cruel" use of bulldozers to demolish the homes of landless squatters and informal settlers and displace them.

Members of the Joint Squatters Front Nepal gathered at Maitighar carrying plates and spoons as part of the protest.

The protesters held placards with slogans such as: “Respect human rights,” “Stop displacement in the name of development,” and “Where will you wash the hands stained with the blood of squatters?”

Bulldozers have been used since April 25 to clear squatter settlements in various parts of the Kathmandu Valley. So far, settlements in areas including Thapathali, Gairigaun, Manohara, Balkhu, Gongabu, and Kapan have been removed.