Clash Over Pathibhara Cable Car: Three Critically Injured

January 26, 2025
Clash Over Pathibhara Cable Car: Three Critically Injured

Three individuals injured in a clash with police in Fungling Municipality-11, Taplejung, are being transferred to Kathmandu for further medical treatment.

Among the injured, Yam Bahadur Limbu and Sagun Lawati sustained severe gunshot wounds, while Dharma Palung, who fell from a cliff during the incident, is also critically injured. According to hospital sources, Lawati was shot in the chest, Limbu in the thigh, and Palung has suffered a broken collarbone.

The clash occurred on Saturday evening during a protest at the Pathibhara area. Due to the unavailability of advanced medical care at the district hospital in Taplejung, the injured were rushed to Nobel Medical College in Biratnagar the same night. However, the hospital has now referred them to Kathmandu for specialized treatment. Chief District Officer of Morang, Indradev Yadav, confirmed that arrangements have been made to transport them via an army helicopter.

The clash erupted as protests intensified against the construction of a cable car at Pathibhara, which began on Tuesday. Members of the “No Cable Car Group” had launched a movement, citing concerns over the erasure of local identity due to the project. Protesters were planning additional demonstrations from Sunday.

On Saturday, security forces, including Nepal Police and Armed Police, were deployed to disperse the protestors. The situation escalated around 6 PM when police arrived in the Baludada area. Protestors reportedly began pelting stones, prompting the police to open fire. Over 25 protestors were injured in the clash, along with several police personnel, according to DSP Ravi Rawal of the Taplejung District Police Office.

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