Cable Car dispute sparks tension: Indefinite transport shutdown announced

KATHMANDU: Taplejung Pathibhara Transport Service Pvt. Ltd. has announced an indefinite transport shutdown starting Friday in protest against the recent incident in the Pathibhara region.

The shutdown will affect the Mechi Highway, Tamor Corridor, entry points from Tehrathum, and branch roads within Taplejung.

The transport operators called for the strike after a driver was assaulted, and vehicles were vandalized during the ongoing ‘No Cable Car’ movement. The injured driver, Rajkumar Paudel, 43, of vehicle Me.1 J 2579, was initially treated at Taplejung District Hospital before being referred to another district due to his critical condition. Dr. Pranam Jairu confirmed that Paudel’s injuries required advanced medical attention.

A statement signed by coordinators from Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, and Jhapa demanded legal action against the perpetrators, proper medical treatment for the injured, and compensation for damaged vehicles. The transport services, except for essential ones, will remain suspended until these demands are met.

The clash erupted on Thursday, the final day of the Mukkumlung Trek, when ‘No Cable Car’ activists attempted to approach the under-construction base station.

The confrontation left 13 people injured. Among those attacked was a rescue team vehicle carrying Red Cross chairman Indra Bahadur Gurung, Taplejung Chamber of Commerce secretary Kamal Limbu, and INSEC representative Elina Diyali. Gurung confirmed that their vehicle came under attack.

The skirmish resulted in injuries to 11 security personnel, one protester, and one civilian. Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma stated that police had to fire seven rounds of tear gas to control the situation after protestors clashed with security forces near the cable car base station.

As tensions remained high into the night, local authorities strengthened security measures. The clashes intensified when some political leaders arrived at the scene under the pretext of conducting a ‘forgiveness ritual.’ Protesters broke through the security barricade and pelted stones, prompting police to respond with tear gas.

Meanwhile, the protesting group has demanded the removal of construction equipment and workers from the cable car site. They have relocated an excavator to the tourist police assistance center in Kaflepati.

The transport shutdown has affected local commuters and businesses, while authorities have pledged to mediate a resolution to the dispute.