Pathibhara Cable Car protests: 3 critical, 26 injured
The injured include five protesters and 21 security personnel.
KATHMANDU: A clash erupted in Pathibhara, Phungling Municipality-11, Taplejung, during a protest against the construction of a cable car in the area, leaving 26 people injured.
Among them, four protesters sustained injuries from police gunfire, with three in critical condition.
The injured include five protesters and 21 security personnel.
The confrontation occurred on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the initial clash involving tear gas use by police. As tensions escalated in the evening, police resorted to firing bullets.
According to Koshi Province Police Chief DIG Rajan Adhikari, the injured security personnel comprise 12 Nepal Police officers and nine Armed Police Force members, including an inspector.
Injured protesters identified
Among the critically injured are Yam Bahadur Limbu of Myanglung Municipality-9, Tehrathum; Mangal Lawati and Sagun Lawati of Miklajung Rural Municipality-5, Panchthar; and Dharma Palungwa of Fungling Municipality-8, Taplejung.
Three critically injured individuals were referred to Nobel Teaching Hospital in Biratnagar after receiving initial treatment at the district hospital.
Root of the conflict
The dispute centers on the Pathibhara Mata Cable Car Company’s plan to construct a 2.7-kilometer cable car line from Kafle Pati to the Pathibhara temple. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 3 billion.
The company began leveling land for the construction on Tuesday, sparking intensified protests by identity rights groups under the Mukumlung Struggle Committee and Cable Car Repeal Struggle Committee.
Protesters argue that the project disrupts the sanctity and natural environment of the sacred site. They have mobilized efforts to block construction activities, leading to heightened tensions.
Police perspective
Authorities claim the situation escalated when protesters attacked security personnel with stones and slingshots during a search operation, based on reports of hidden weapons. The police maintain that their use of force was necessary to control the situation and protect personnel.
The cable car project, approved by Phungling Municipality, aims to boost religious tourism, but it has faced fierce opposition from locals and activists, signaling prolonged unrest in the area.
