KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has issued an official statement regarding the recent clash between police and protesters opposing the construction of a cable car in Pathibhara (Mukkumlung), Taplejung.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that 21 police personnel and three civilians were injured during the confrontation. The government has ensured medical treatment for all those injured, the statement added.
The ministry also urged all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute over the cable car project.
The incident occurred on Saturday when tensions flared between the ‘No Cable Car’ group and security forces, leaving more than 24 people injured. Among them, two protesters sustained gunshot wounds, while another suffered a fractured pelvis.
The unrest escalated after police raided the homes of protesters, citing reports of homemade weapons being stockpiled for the demonstration.
In response to the growing tension, Minister Lekhak convened a meeting on Tuesday with members of parliament from Taplejung, Ilam, Panchthar, Dhankuta, and Sankhuwasabha at Singha Durbar. The discussions aimed to gather input from lawmakers before determining the government’s next steps regarding the disputed cable car project.
Among those present at the meeting were UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, and MPs Leela Devi Bokhim, Suhang Nembang, and Urmila Thebe. However, details of the discussions have not yet been disclosed. The government is expected to make a decision on the project based on the recommendations received.
The Pathibhara area, known as Mukkumlung among the indigenous population, has been at the center of tensions for over a year due to the IME Group’s plans to construct a cable car.
As part of their ongoing protests, the ‘No Cable Car’ group staged sit-ins at Global IME Bank’s central and branch offices, a financial institution chaired by businessman Chandra Dhakal.
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