BIRGUNJ, April 11: Landless squatters in Simara, Bara, have been obstructing the East-West Highway since Saturday morning, demanding security and land ownership certificates.
They are protesting because some unidentified groups had attacked their settlements on Friday night. The squatters claim that there have been similar attacks on their settlement in the past, and the squatters have demanded action against the offenders. “We also want land-ownership certificates immediately,” said Ramesh Mizar of the All Nepal Landless and Squatters Association.
The squatters have set up tents near the Bakaiya bridge, Nijgadh, and this morning were seen seated along the middle of the highway’s diving line, eating pudding.
Around 300 families, backed by Maoist support, have been illegally occupying seven bigha of land that belongs to Shanti Singh, the elder sister of former king Gyanendra.
