Political Stir After Prime Minister’s Directive to Clear Thapathali Settlement

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has sparked political reactions after directing security agencies to evacuate the squatter settlement in Thapathali.

Prime Minister Shah summoned Nepal Police Inspector General Dhan Bahadur Karki and Armed Police Force Inspector General Raju Aryal, along with other officials, and instructed them to clear the settlement along the Bagmati riverbank by Saturday–Sunday.

Raksha Bam, a leading figure of the Gen Z campaign, has strongly objected to this decision. Through social media, she questioned the Prime Minister’s move, calling it a “betrayal of the people.”

Earlier, when Balen Shah was mayor, an attempt to remove the same settlement had failed. Now, after becoming Prime Minister, the renewed push through security mechanisms has begun to draw public criticism.

Security agencies, however, have stated that the plan to clear the settlement is in its final stage, being coordinated with the Chief District Officer.