Hulas Steel Industries—one of Nepal’s biggest and oldest manufacturers—have allegedly encroached on public property for its new factory being built in Birgunj, Province 2.

The locals of Belwa village in Birgunj Metropolitan City Ward No. 31 have been protesting against Hulas Industries for illegally taking over a chunk of public land for a new factory. Also accusing the local ward office of conniving in Hulas’ scheme of illegally acquiring public property, the locals have stopped construction.

According to local sources, Hulas Steel Industries have encroached around two katthas (0.16 acres) of ailani jagga (public land). The tussle between the company and the locals around the property has escalated as the said land was being used in an irrigation project to provide water to hundreds of acres of agricultural land in the surrounding area.

Even as construction is obstructed, there has been no official statement from either Hulas or the local government. The locals, however, say their agitation will last so long as Hulas Industries’ venture continues to hamper their irrigation.