Talks between govt & ‘No Cable Car Group’ to resume today

KATHMANDU: The negotiation between the government’s dialogue team and the ‘No Cable Car Group’ is set to continue today after Monday’s meeting ended without a resolution.

The talks will resume at 11 AM at Hotel Himalaya, Lalitpur.

In the first round of discussions, key issues included the release of three arrested protesters, suspension of the cable car construction, and withdrawal of the ongoing agitation.

While the government showed a positive stance on releasing the detainees, it refused to halt the construction, leading to a deadlock.

According to negotiation coordinator Prem Prasad Bhattarai, the protesters have put forward three main demands: the release of the arrested individuals, a halt to the construction, and the withdrawal of security forces from Kaflepati.

The government proposed releasing the detainees and pausing work in the upper sections but insisted on continuing construction at the current site, which the protesting group rejected. As a result, the talks were postponed until today.

Meanwhile, the protesters have continued their transport shutdown. Movement leader Navin Pomu stated that despite the ongoing talks, the transport strike remains in effect.

Though a general strike was initially planned across nine districts of Arun Purva, it has been limited to transport disruptions.

The protestors remain hopeful about the government’s flexibility, while local representatives and political leaders have urged both sides to seek a resolution through dialogue.

Since the issue has reached the federal level, they emphasize that a solution must come from the central government.