KATHMANDU, Feb 3: Protests against the under-construction cable car in Pathibhara, Taplejung have been escalating across various cities in eastern Nepal. The local Limbu community and activists are continuously demonstrating, claiming that the construction project is an encroachment on religious and cultural sites. In line with the protests in eastern Nepal, a protest was also held at Maitighar in Kathmandu on Monday.
The participants in the protest organized under the leadership Mukkumlung Tangshep Chumbho and Mukkumlung Protection Inter-Party Struggle Committee have put forward a six-point demand, including the resignation of the Home Minister. They have reiterated their stance that the Pathibhara area should be preserved as it is, since it is the Limbu community’s Mundhum.
In a statement issued by the protesters, they demanded free and effective treatment for the injured and the formation of a high-level judicial investigation committee into the recent clashes between protestors and security forces. They demand strict action against the culprits, the withdrawal of the Armed Police Force from the Mukkumalung area, and an end to encroachment on religious and cultural heritage.
Resolve Pathibhara Cable Car Dispute Through Dialogue
The committee has warned of intensifying nationwide agitations, including an indefinite general strike, if the demands are not met. The statement said, “If the demands are not met, we will initiate an indefinite general strike and demonstration programs across the Limbuwan region.”
The movement became more violent after a clash took place in Baludanda, Phungling Municipality-11, Taplejung on January 25. On the same day, Mukkumlung protectors Yam Bahadur Limbu, Sagun Lawati, and Dharman Palungwa were injured in police firing. They are currently undergoing treatment at the Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.
Following the clashes, all the entry points into Taplejung via Mechi Highway, Tamor Corridor, and Tehrathum have been blocked since January 28. A general strike was announced in nine districts of the Limbuwan region on February 2 and 3, to further strengthen the movement.
In a protest at Maitighar in Kathmandu, demonstrators symbolically staged a street play to oppose the encroachment of the Mukumlung region. They also raised slogans such as “We are ready to be shot, but we will not let the cable car be built.”
Meanwhile, the cable car construction company and the government are preparing to move forward with the project. However, the construction work remains uncertain due to local dissatisfaction and protests.
Here are some photos of Monday’s protest in the capital taken by Republica’s Photojournalist Dipesh Darshandhari:
