A group of protesters known as the ‘No Cable Car Group’ has caused major traffic blockages on the Mechi Highway and Tamor Corridor since Tuesday. They are strongly against the Pathibhara cable car project, which they believe could harm the region’s culture and environment.
The protests began early in the morning, and the roads have been blocked ever since, stopping all vehicles from passing. Shree Lingkhim, the leader of the protest, said that traffic on both routes has been completely stopped. The protest is being led by several groups, including the Mukkumlung Struggle Committee, the Cable Car Scrap Struggle Committee, and Kirat Yakthung Chumlung. Their main demands are to stop the cable car project, offer free medical treatment to those injured in recent clashes, and release two people who were arrested during protests on Saturday.
Things got more intense on Saturday when the protesters clashed with police near Kafle Pati in the Pathibhara area. The violence, which happened at Baludanda, left four people injured. Police arrested two men, Laxman Limbu and Chandra Sagar Limbu, during the incident.
Many locals and activists are against the Pathibhara cable car project, saying it could damage the environment and their cultural heritage. The protesters have warned they will keep up their demonstrations or escalate them if their demands are not met. As the protests continue, the future of the cable car project is uncertain.
