Nepal Squatter Association Announces Nationwide Protest and Indefinite Strike Over Land Rights

Report from Kathmandu, Nepal — The All Nepal Squatter Association has announced a series of escalating nationwide protests, culminating in an indefinite general strike, demanding land ownership rights and policy reforms for landless communities across the country.

According to the association’s president, Amar Pariyar, the movement is being launched in four stages, with demands including immediate distribution of land ownership certificates (land titles) to landless Dalits, squatters, and informal settlers, as well as an end to forced evictions.

The group has also called for political accountability, including a controversial demand to remove Prime Minister Balen Shah from office.

Phase 1: Political Engagement

In the initial phase, the association plans to:

• Brief leaders of major political parties, including Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and Madhav Kumar Nepal, on the protest program
• Mobilize provincial, district, and community-level organizations to implement the movement strategy

Phase 2: Nationwide Mobilization (April 20–30)

The second phase will involve:

• Community meetings and assemblies across districts, municipalities, and settlements
• Formation of local struggle committees representing landless Dalits, squatters, and informal settlers
• Submission of memorandums to local government offices, land commissions, and administrative agencies demanding an immediate halt to evictions and expedited land title distribution
• Peaceful protests at offices of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) across districts

Phase 3: National Shutdown (April 31)

• A press conference in Kathmandu announcing escalation of the movement
• A nationwide highway blockade along the Mechi–Mahakali corridor
• Calls to invoke a “Right to Recall” mechanism targeting Prime Minister Balen Shah

Phase 4: Indefinite Nationwide Strike (From May 1 onward)

• A nationwide signature campaign urging the recall of elected representatives of the RSP
• Continued mass mobilization across Nepal
• An indefinite general strike beginning May 7, including protests along major highways and squatter settlement areas

Background

Landlessness and informal settlements remain long-standing socio-economic issues in Nepal, particularly affecting marginalized Dalit communities and urban squatters. Previous governments have attempted partial land reform programs, but implementation has been widely criticized as slow and inconsistent.

The announcement signals a significant escalation in grassroots activism, raising concerns over potential disruptions to transportation, public services, and governance if the planned strikes proceed.

: Kendra Bhag