Susta delegation meets Home Minister Gurung

By Our Correspondent

Parasi, July 3:  Residents of the Susta area in Nawalparasi (West) are staging a protest in Kathmandu, demanding border security, citizenship, land ownership certificates and the protection of their land and identity. They have been holding a peaceful sit-in at Maitighar Mandala for the past three days, calling on the government to guarantee their basic rights.

Claiming that they have lived on Nepali soil for generations but have been neglected by the state both legally and administratively, the protesters travelled to the capital carrying pots filled with soil from Susta as a symbolic gesture. They have urged the government to take notice of their concerns and provide a long-term solution to their problems.

As part of the protest, a delegation led by Munna Khan, coordinator of the Susta Protection Campaign, met Home Minister Sudan Gurung on Wednesday and presented the difficulties faced by residents of the Susta region along with their demands.

According to Khan, the Home Minister expressed a positive attitude towards issues within the Ministry of Home Affairs' jurisdiction and pledged to take the necessary steps to address their concerns. Although the Minister's assurances have given the protesters some hope, they say implementation is now more important than promises.

"Our discussion with the Home Minister on matters under the Ministry's responsibility was positive. He has assured us that the necessary initiatives will be taken. This has given us some hope. However, we now need results more than assurances. The state must take concrete action," said Khan. 

Member of the House of Representatives Bikram Khanal also expressed solidarity with the Susta residents' movement, saying that the issues they have raised are of national importance.

"Border security, citizenship and land ownership certificates are not just issues affecting Susta; they are matters of national significance. The state should not delay any further in ensuring that citizens living on their own land receive their basic civil rights," he said. 

Describing the problems facing Susta as multi-dimensional and linked to wider national concerns, the protesting group said it is continuing its efforts to meet the Prime Minister and present its demands directly.

According to Khan, they are trying to secure a meeting with the Prime Minister. “If time permits, we hope to meet him in person and explain the hardships and suffering endured by the people of Susta," he said. 

The residents, who travelled to Kathmandu in the hope of securing a practical and lasting solution to the long-standing problems of Susta, have said they will continue their sit-in and other forms of peaceful protest until their demands are addressed.