‘Landless’ families return to razed settlement three months after eviction
Summary
Families displaced from Shantinagar in Kohalpur have returned to the site three months after their homes were demolished, setting up tarpaulin shelters and demanding permanent resettlement. The dispute has reignited debate over eviction, landlessness and the government’s handling of informal settlers.
Key Points
- Families claiming to be landless squatters have returned to Shantinagar in Kohalpur Municipality and begun erecting makeshift shelters under tarpaulins.
- The families say they were evicted without a permanent resettlement plan after 751 houses and sheds were demolished in May.
- Displaced residents say the eviction disrupted education, housing and livelihoods, and they are demanding land, services and talks with the municipality.
- Kohalpur municipal officials say discussions are planned and that the municipality is verifying claims of genuine landless families.
