What Rabi Lamichhane Had Said About Squatter Settlements Before Elections

Nepal is heading toward a tense and potentially volatile situation as a demolition drive is set to begin early tomorrow morning in the Thapathali Sukumbasi (landless settlers) settlement.

The move, reportedly carried out under the direction of Prime Minister Balen Shah as authorities prepare for the Thapathali Sukumbasi eviction in Kathmandu, has sparked widespread reaction across social media platforms. At the same time, a video clip of Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, from the election period has gone viral, shaping public discourse around the issue.

In the clip, Lamichhane is seen making a strong and emotional statement, saying that if bulldozers were ever used against Sukumbasi settlements after his party formed the government, he would stand physically between the bulldozer and the people to prevent such action.

However, as the video circulates widely, questions are being raised about whether this statement alone reflects his full position on the issue.

Viral Clip vs Full Political Position

While the viral clip highlights a powerful moment, it represents only a partial view of Lamichhane’s stance during the election campaign.

In reality, Lamichhane repeatedly clarified in multiple speeches that:

• If government land has been illegally occupied
• If individuals falsely claim Sukumbasi identity
• Or if settlements are not legally valid

Then action must be taken strictly in accordance with the law. He publicly stated that he would rather lose a few votes than make false promises. According to his speeches, protecting illegal occupation was never part of his agenda, even if it meant political loss.

Importantly, he expressed these views not only in general campaign rallies but also directly in front of Sukumbasi communities themselves, reinforcing his position that legality must come before political convenience.

Legal Questions Around Thapathali Settlement

As eviction efforts are about to begin, attention has shifted toward the legal status of the Thapathali Sukumbasi settlement.

According to recent data from Nepal’s Land Commission:

• A significant number of residents living in the settlement reportedly own land in other parts of the country
• Under Nepali law, individuals or families who have land ownership cannot be classified as Sukumbasi
• Occupying government land while owning property elsewhere is considered illegal

These findings raise serious concerns about whether a large portion of the current residents genuinely qualify as landless settlers.

Real Sukumbasi vs Misuse of Identity

The situation has once again highlighted a long-standing national issue—the distinction between genuine Sukumbasi and those accused of misusing the identity to occupy valuable public land.

For decades, political leaders have been accused of turning Sukumbasi communities into vote banks, without properly addressing the root problem or ensuring fair identification.

Lamichhane himself had emphasized during his campaign that illegal occupation must not be protected, the misuse of the Sukumbasi label must be stopped, and genuine landless people must be identified and properly rehabilitated.

However, the current viral narrative focuses only on his emotional statement, while ignoring his repeated emphasis on legality and accountability.

What Happens If Demolition Proceeds?

If bulldozer action begins as planned, a critical expectation will be the proper handling of genuine Sukumbasi families.

• Those who are truly landless must be given proper management, relocation, and support
• Clear identification must be carried out before or alongside eviction
• The government must ensure that genuine Sukumbasi are not left without alternatives

At the same time, there is also a strong public sentiment that individuals who own land elsewhere but occupy high-value government land should not receive sympathy or protection.

Call for Agreement and Peaceful Resolution

Amid rising tension, there is increasing discussion about the need for a structured and peaceful solution. Experts and observers suggest that instead of escalating protests under external influence, genuine Sukumbasi families should consider negotiating with the government through a formal written agreement.

• A clear timeline for identifying genuine Sukumbasi
• A guaranteed plan for relocation and land allocation
• Defined deadlines for implementation

In this context, voluntarily relocating belongings with coordination from authorities before demolition may help prevent unnecessary conflict and loss.

A Critical Moment for Governance and Accountability

The Thapathali eviction issue has now evolved into a broader test of governance, political responsibility, and public trust in Nepal. While there remains strong support for genuine Sukumbasi communities, there is also a clear and growing message: illegal actions cannot be justified.

As the situation unfolds, citizens are calling on political leaders across all parties to stand firmly on the side of truth, justice, and the rule of law.