KATHMANDU: The Mukkumlung Sangharsha Samiti (Mukkumlung Struggle Committee), which has been protesting the construction of a cable car in Pathibhara-Mukkumlung, Taplejung, held talks with the government on February 3 and 4, and continued discussions on February 9.
I participated as a member representing the protesters. Nine of us attended the talks on February 9 under my coordination, while the government sent a team of four, coordinated by Prem Bhattarai, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
During the talks on February 3 and 4, both written and verbal agreements were reached.
A six-point written agreement was signed, and we honored it by withdrawing the indefinite transport blockade in the nine districts of Limbuwan.
After finalizing the written agreement on February 4, we promptly ended the strike on the same day.
Prem Bhattarai had assured me that he would facilitate the talks on February 9, as he did not have full authority.
After the state ignored this agreement and resorted to violence to favor a businessman’s interests, we will not allow the cable car to be built there under any circumstances—whether one, two, or three. The only solution to this issue now is: No cable car!
He also promised to meet with the Home Minister within two days. However, he did not meet with me, and the steps my friends took to arrange that meeting were already conveyed to him.
On the morning of February 9, we attended the talks again, as we were still in favor of resolving the issue through dialogue. We only attended and sat down.
I was the only one present at the table, while there were only two officials from their side. Amar Tumyang and Ram Maden from our side were told they could not come, and they did not attend.
Afterwards, 8-9 of us from indigenous organizations gathered. At that point, they reminded us of the agreement reached during the discussions on February 3 and 4.
Prem Bhattarai started speaking, bringing up the rights of locals in relation to the cable car project. I said, “Stop.”
Our bottom line is clear: the state has wronged us through the cable car project. After all we’ve been through, the cable car should not be built there.
The only agenda we have is for the state to completely cancel the cable car project. The state needs to bring in relevant bodies, adopt necessary provisions, and address compensation for businessman Chandra Dhakal’s investment.
But the cable car project must be canceled—this is our number one priority. There is no other agenda. Given this, we said, “Let’s not discuss the details of the cable car here. We will leave.”
He asked, “Is that what you want?”
We responded, “Yes,” and got up to leave. There was no further discussion for more than 20 to 25 minutes.
I say again – for the past 6 years, we have consistently opposed the construction of a cable car in our Mundhumi area. I am the one who formed the Mukkumlung Struggle Committee.
Since the cable car project was introduced in the Pathibhara Area Development Committee’s master plan, we have raised our voices against it. I also have the agreement made at the CDIO office in Taplejung on June 23, 2020.
I possess the agreement document with the CDO and political parties, which clearly states that no work should be carried out there without our approval and consent.
After the state ignored this agreement and resorted to violence to favor a businessman’s interests, we will not allow the cable car to be built there under any circumstances—whether one, two, or three. The only solution to this issue now is: No cable car!
(Saraswata Singak is a member of the negotiation team formed by the parties protesting against the cable car project.)
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