Protest in Janakpur Against 15-Day Notice to Vacate Guthi Land

Kathmandu : Local residents who have been living on Guthi land in Janakpurdham for decades have launched a protest against a 15-day notice ordering them to vacate the land.

The residents have drawn the attention of the Guthi Sansthan and the local government, saying they face displacement from land they have occupied for generations. They are demanding ownership rights or legal arrangements allowing them to continue using the land.

According to the residents, families living in various parts of Janakpur since 2025 BS should be properly managed under the provisions of the Guthi Sansthan Act. Instead, they claim they are being pressured to vacate their homes and land. The protesters have demanded an immediate halt to any attempts to demolish their houses or displace them.

The residents have urged the government to address the issue from a humanitarian perspective, saying they could be forced to live under temporary shelters with their children. They have warned of stronger protests, including a general strike and road blockades, if their demands are not addressed.

Bachandev Mandal, secretary of the struggle committee, said they had launched the protest against pressure and possible action by the Guthi authorities.

Meanwhile, Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah said the issue of Guthi land falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government. He pledged to include the residents’ demands in a nine-member high-level committee formed to address the issue.

The committee has said it will coordinate with the Survey Office, Land Revenue Office and District Administration Office to assess the actual status of the land and work toward a solution that does not deprive long-term residents of their rights.

The dispute over Guthi land in Janakpur remains complicated due to continuing uncertainty over its legal status and ownership.