KATHMANDU: Women protesting against the Pathibhara Mukkumlung cable car project in Taplejung are facing increasing threats, violence, and intimidation as the government intensifies its crackdown.
Social activist Niranti Tumbapo, who has been actively involved in the movement, has gone semi-underground after witnessing firsthand the harassment faced by women protesters, local residents, and even bystanders.
Tumbapo, who also serves as the General Secretary of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, arrived in Kathmandu from Taplejung on Sunday and spoke at an event organized by Khabarhub. She described the growing fear among women in Taplejung, saying that arbitrary arrests, police brutality, and vigilante attacks have made it impossible for them to move freely.
According to Tumbapo, the presence of police officers, helmeted men shouting aggressively, and individuals in jumpers with caps now instills fear among women in Taplejung.
“Even those who were not directly involved in the protests—such as hoteliers and local women—were beaten indiscriminately,” she said.
Women who participated in the protests have either been arrested or forced into hiding. Several have fled their homes, fearing further violence.
“This time, among those arrested, there were at least three or four women. Many others have gone into hiding, unable to seek medical attention despite injuries,” she said.
Tumbapo recounted that injured protesters, including women, were arrested from hospitals while receiving treatment for wounds sustained in previous clashes. Some have opted to stay home, untreated, rather than risk being taken into custody.
Attacks on women
Tumbapo highlighted how women were specifically targeted during the protests. She described a scene where women screamed in terror as vigilante groups, allegedly protected by the state, physically attacked them.
“Women who could not escape were beaten randomly,” she said.
She also spoke about how female workers near a broken CCTV camera were terrified, with police officers intimidating them by firing shots. Those working in food preparation for the protesters were not spared either.
“Women who had never been involved in protests before—those who were just cooking food—were baton charged. One of them lost her mobile phone, while others had to flee, leaving behind their belongings,” she said.
Tumbapo also faced obstacles while traveling. She described how drivers were threatened for transporting individuals linked to the protests.
“A driver received a phone call asking if he was carrying protesters. The tone was not just questioning—it was threatening. Why should we only be labeled as ‘protesters’ and not as citizens exercising our rights?” she questioned.
Due to such restrictions, she had to change routes multiple times, moving through different villages to reach safety. Along the way, she witnessed disturbing scenes of families burning their belongings in panic and women screaming in fear.
Human rights concerns
Despite the ongoing violence, human rights organizations have failed to intervene meaningfully, Tumbapo claimed. She criticized them for focusing on property damage rather than the suffering of women facing direct violence.
Legal experts have also raised concerns about the crackdown. Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi referred to the government’s handling of the protests as a ‘multi-party Panchayat,’ suggesting that democratic freedoms are being suppressed under the guise of law enforcement.
As the protests continue, women remain at the forefront—facing threats not only from the state but also from vigilante groups. Their participation in the movement has come at a high cost, with many forced into hiding, suffering injuries without medical care, and living under constant fear of retaliation.
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