Opinion | The price of ‘progress’: Displacement in Kathmandu, humiliation in Madhesh
Summary
The Kathmandu government’s efforts to beautify the city through evictions and strict border controls in Madhesh are causing displacement, humiliation, and psychological trauma for poor communities, raising concerns about social inclusion and the moral direction of the state.
Key Points
- The government bulldozed squatter settlements in Kathmandu with little notice, displacing poor residents and causing social disruption.
- Strict border patrolling and taxation policies in Madhesh are humiliating residents and disrupting the informal economy.
- Children in both Kathmandu and Madhesh are experiencing psychological trauma due to these government actions.
- These policies prioritize revenue collection and urban beautification over the dignity and quality of life of low-income communities.
- Repeated exclusion and humiliation by the state risk deepening societal divisions and long-term political instability.
