The heart of the federal capital, Maiti Ghar Mandala, witnessed a unique protest on Tuesday. Residents displaced in Hetauda due to road expansion came to Kathmandu to voice their grievances—but in an unusual style, carrying placards reading “Stop Bulldozer Terror” and wearing traditional ‘Dhime Baja’ drums on their shoulders.
The protesters had been displaced after the government demolished homes and structures within a 25-gaj road corridor in Hetauda’s market area. Their demonstration at the main gate of Singha Durbar (Maiti Ghar) was not limited to protecting physical structures; it symbolically aimed to send a message against erasing Newar culture and heritage in the name of development.
They accused the authorities of encroaching on centuries-old Newar settlements and cultural sites under the pretext of road expansion. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Dhime Baja, the protesters warned the government: “Development should benefit the people, not cause displacement. Conspiracies to erase our historical identity and culture under the guise of road expansion are unacceptable.”
The movement also received support from small business owners who depend on the local road for their livelihoods. Many expressed solidarity, noting that the destruction of Hetauda’s main market had also taken away their means of earning a living.
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