In Taplejung’s Pathibhara (Mukkumlung), protesters opposing the construction of a cable car have formed a committee to engage in talks with the government.
After the government formed a negotiation committee on Sunday, led by the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Prem Prasad Bhattrai, the protesters announced through a press release that the “Mukkumlung Conservation Organization” had formed its own negotiation team.
The team, headed by Amar Tumyahang, includes members Ram Maden, Saru Singhak, and Shankar Subba.
The issue of constructing a cable car at Pathibhara has been controversial.
After the construction of the cable car project began at the famous religious site in Taplejung, clashes erupted between the police and the ‘No Cable Car’ group. On the previous Saturday, during these clashes, both police officers and protesters were injured.
Three individuals, including two protesters who were reportedly shot, were taken to Kathmandu for further treatment on Sunday via a Nepal Army Sky Truck from Biratnagar Airport.
At least 19 police officers were injured in the clashes that took place after 6 PM on the previous Saturday.
During the incident, 36-year-old Yam Bahadur Limbu from Myanglung market in Tehrathum was shot in the thigh, and 18-year-old Sagun Lawati from Miklajung in Panchthar was shot in the shoulder by police.
Dharm Palungwa from Taplejung also sustained serious injuries when he fell from a hill during the clash, causing a severe injury to his shoulder (beauty bone).
Following the initiation of the cable car structure construction in Phungling Municipality-11, a large group of protesters, equipped with homemade weapons, allegedly forcibly confronted police officers, resulting in a violent attack, according to the police.
The protesters, however, claimed that the clashes occurred after force was used against them.
In response to the incident, various organizations protesting the construction have declared an indefinite transport shutdown along the Mechi Highway and Tamor Corridor. While they have expressed their willingness to resolve the matter peacefully through talks, they have not withdrawn the shutdown.