KATHMANDU, Feb 9: The government’s talks team and the protesting sides failed to reach a conclusion over the Pathibhara (Mukumlung) cable car project dispute during a meeting held on Sunday.
Nine members of the negotiation team, formed by the Mukumlung Conservation Struggle Committee and the No Cable Car movement, took part in the talks with the government team.
During the 40-minute discussion, the protesting parties demanded an immediate halt to the cable car construction. However, since no agreement was reached, the talks concluded without any resolution.
Following the failed talks, the protesting parties held a press conference and announced a strike in nine districts of the Koshi Province starting Monday.
Agitating locals form negotiation committee to resolve Pathibha...
The government had formed a negotiation team, led by Home Ministry’s Joint Secretary Prem Prasad Bhattarai on February 3 to resolve the dispute.
After an initial six-point agreement with the team led by an under secretary of the Government of Nepal on February 4, the Mukkumlung Protection Committee, which has been protesting against the construction of the cable car in the Pathibhara area, demanded the formation of a ministerial-level negotiation team.
Mukkumlung, in Taplejung district, is considered as a sacred site by Yakhtung (Limbu) indigenous groups as a part of their ancestral lands. They argue that the cable car project threatens their cultural and spiritual heritage.
Earlier on January 25, a clash broke out at Baludanda area in Pathibhara opposing the construction of the cable car. Subsequently, the agitators called for a strike from January 28 to February 1 on the Mechi Highway, the Tamor Corridor, and at the entry points into Taplejung from Tehrathum, demanding the cancellation of the cable car project and the release of their detained activists. They called for a transport shutdown in nine districts east of Arun river but the protests were put off after both sides decided to sit for talks. However, the protesters have threatened to resume their strike as the discussion remained inconclusive.
Govt to hold talks with protesting party on Monday
The government has expressed its readiness to meet the protesting parties on Monday to discuss their opposition to the Pathibhara cable car project.
CPN-UML lawmaker Yogesh Bhattarai announced that Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak will lead the government delegation to discuss the matter with the agitating parties at 6 PM on Monday, February 10.
In a Facebook post, Bhattarai stated, "They want to meet the Honorable Home Minister to present their concerns and requested me to coordinate the meeting. I relayed their request to the Home Minister, who has scheduled the meeting for 6 PM on February 10."
He also urged the protesting parties to continue discussions with the government’s negotiation committee and resolve the issue through dialogue.
