Government Seeks Dialogue to Resolve Pathibhara Cable Car Project Dispute

The government has invited the protesting groups for talks to resolve the ongoing issues with the Pathibhara cable car project in Taplejung.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement on Friday, asking the concerned parties to join the discussion to address social, cultural, religious, and local concerns raised during the project.

This follows a violent clash on Thursday between security forces and protesters at the Kaflepati base station of the cable car, which left 12 people injured. The situation escalated when protesters surrounded the base station, tried to vandalize it, and clashed with the police.

A negotiation team, led by Joint Secretary Prem Prasad Bhattarai, was set up on February 2 to hold talks with the protesters. Despite ongoing discussions since February 4, no agreement was reached, which led to more protests after talks failed on February 9.

In another incident, transport operators ended their strike after a vehicle, going to help the injured, was vandalized, and the driver, Rajkumar Poudel, was beaten by protesters. After talks, the protesters agreed to pay for the vehicle repairs and the driver’s medical bills.

Poudel, initially treated in Taplejung, was transferred to a hospital in Jhapa for better care. The transport service had suspended operations in protest.

The Ministry of Home Affairs continues to urge for peaceful talks to resolve the issues around the Pathibhara cable car project.