Nepal, April 26 -- Security forces under the instructions of Prime Minister Balendra Shah's government began demolishing squatter settlements built along Kathmandu Valley's riverbanks on Saturday, starting with encampments along the Bagmati in Thapathali and Gairigaun. The razing extended to Manohara on Sunday, where tensions escalated after residents pelted stones at law enforcement, injuring several security personnel.

In Thapathali and Gairigaun, evicted squatters largely, albeit reluctantly, cooperated with officials on Saturday. The government had given residents a final deadline of 7PM on 24 April to evacuate their settlements, with many having nowhere to go with their belongings, including livestock.

Squatter residents of Thapath...