KATHMANDU: Police arrested three young individuals from Taplejung Bazaar on Wednesday night over allegations of involvement in the conservation movement of Mukkumlung/Pathibhara, escalating tensions further in the region.
According to activist Saru Singak, an advisor to the Mukkumlung Joint Struggle Committee and a leading figure in the “No Cable Car” campaign, the arrested individuals Janam Idhingo Limbu, Sanjog Nugo, and Sushil Nugo had traveled from Ilam to visit the sacred site of Mukkumlung.
They are currently being held at the District Police Office.
Struggle Committee Coordinator Shreelingkhim Limbu said the three individuals were detained at around 9 pm while welcoming pilgrims from Ilam who had come for a special worship ceremony at the sacred Mukkumlung Mang site.
Before the arrest, the pilgrims were allegedly assaulted by a group of youths supporting the construction of a cable car at Mukkumlung (Pathibhara).
“Instead of arresting those involved in the assault, the police unjustly detained the pilgrims, which has further fueled tensions,” said Shreelingkhim.
The sacred site, revered by the indigenous Yakthung Limbu community as Mukkumlung/Semukti Kokma, holds significant cultural and religious importance. Despite being known by this name in traditional Mundhum lore, it was renamed Pathibhara during the Panchayat era.
In the 1990s, the installation of a Pathibhara Devi statue at the site sparked underlying cultural and religious disputes. More recently, plans to construct a cable car under the guise of development have brought these tensions to a boiling point.
For over seven years, indigenous and ethnic groups, particularly the Yakthung Limbu community, have been demanding the recognition of the site’s original name, Mukkumlung, and its preservation.
The government’s establishment of an Armed Police Force office at the base of Mukkumlung, following the earlier setup of a Civil Police Office on December 30, 2024, has led to repeated clashes between protestors and security forces.
On November 8, activists seeking to preserve the Mukkumlung area faced attacks from individuals advocating for the cable car project. The attack left Chandramaden and Arjun Limbu, a porter in the area, injured.
Although Chandramaden has recovered, Arjun Limbu’s condition remains critical, according to activist Saru Singak.
Despite filing multiple formal complaints against the attackers, the police have reportedly failed to act. Consequently, a writ petition was filed at the High Court in Ilam, which issued a “show cause” order on December 1.
However, the Mukkumlung Joint Struggle Committee claims that the court has yet to hear the case.
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