The construction of the Pathibhara Cable Car in Taplejung has been temporarily halted following a six-point agreement reached between the government and protesting groups on February 5.
The two-day negotiations, held on Monday and Tuesday, resulted in an agreement that led to a suspension of work above the Pathibhara Cable Car station. A detailed meeting to discuss the station's future will take place on February 9, 2025.
The government has also agreed on providing free medical treatment for those injured during demonstrations and will launch an investigation into the violent clashes that occurred on January 25 between protesters and security forces. Additionally, the government has agreed to immediately and unconditionally release individuals detained during the protests.
In return, the protesting groups have agreed to lift the transport shutdown across nine districts of Koshi Province.
The Pathibhara Cable Car project, which is being developed by Pathibhara Devi Mukkumlung Cable Car Darshan Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of IME Group, now faces an uncertain future.
A joint statement issued on Tuesday by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) condemned the protests, citing the disruption to education, economic activities, and the overall investment climate. Notably, IME Group’s Chairman, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, also serves as president of the FNCCI, Nepal’s premier private sector body.
A violent confrontation in Taplejung on January 25 resulted in over two dozen people being injured, prompting the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to call for dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully.
The foundation stone for the cable car project was laid on November 8, 2024, despite opposition from local groups, and it was initially planned for completion within 15 months. However, resistance has been growing, particularly from the Mukkumlung Struggle Committee and other local organizations, who argue that the project poses a threat to cultural heritage and the environment.
Protests intensified after land leveling activities began at the site, with local groups expressing concern over the project's potential environmental impact and its effects on the region's cultural identity.
