In the misty hills of eastern Nepal, where ancient traditions intertwine with the modern economy, a struggle is unfolding over the sacred site of Mukkumlung (Pathibhara).

For centuries, this hilltop shrine has been a place of deep spiritual reverence for the Yakthung (Limbu) indigenous people. But now, a Chandra Dhakal-backed cable car project threatens to redefine its landscape, igniting fierce protests, clashes with security forces, and a broader debate about cultural survival versus economic development.

Violent clashes broke out today (February 20) in Taplejung’s Pathibhara region as protests against the construction of a cable car turned into a direct confrontation between demonstrators and security forces.

The ‘No Cable Car Group,’ opposing the project on cultural and religious grounds, clashed with police after police intervened to disperse their march. A vehicle dispatched to transport the injured was also vandalized in the chaos.

The protest, which had been gaining momentum over the past weeks, intensified in the afternoon. Security personnel responded with water cannons, but as tensions escalated, police resorted to tear gas and baton charges to regain control. The confrontation unfolded just 150 meters from the construction site, signaling the increasing volatility of the situation.

A Sacred Hill, a Corporate Venture, and Rising Tensions

Pathibhara, located at 3,794 meters (12,448 feet) above sea level, is a key pilgrimage site for Hindus and indigenous Limbu communities alike. It stands at the edge of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, offering breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks. But beyond its scenic and spiritual significance, it has now become the center of a bitter conflict between local indigenous groups and corporate interests.

At the heart of the dispute is a cable car project spearheaded by businessman Chandra Dhakal, a prominent corporate figure in Nepal who chairs Global IME Bank and numerous other ventures. Local activists argue that the project is not just an issue of convenience—it is an existential threat to their culture, traditions, and sacred land.

A Clash of Interests: Government and Business vs. Local Resistance

The protests against the cable car are not new. Over the past few months, locals and indigenous rights activists have organized demonstrations, strikes, and blockades, demanding that the government halt the construction. However, security forces used to business interests have taken a firm stance, deploying heavy security forces to suppress the movement.

On January 25, tensions reached a boiling point when a march by anti-cable car demonstrators turned violent. Clashes erupted between protesters and security personnel, with police firing bullets and tear gas and using batons to disperse the crowd. Reports from local officials indicate that 25 people were injured. Among them, two protesters, Yam Bahadur Limbu and Dharman Palunga, were shot, while another sustained a broken leg.

Critics accuse the government of using excessive force, arguing that instead of addressing indigenous concerns, it has prioritized Chandra Dhakal’s corporate interests. “The government is ignoring local and ethnic demands to stop the project,” said a spokesperson from the Mukkumlung Joint Struggle Committee, which has been leading the resistance. “They have deployed huge security forces not to protect the people, but to ensure the construction of Dhakal’s project moves forward.”

Chief District Officer (CDO) Netra Prasad Sharma, who was transferred to Taplejung with a mandate to facilitate the project, has been accused of authorizing aggressive crackdowns on demonstrators. This has only fueled further resistance, drawing national and international attention to the dispute.

The Broader Battle: Cultural Erosion and Corporate Encroachment

For the Limbu people, the issue is not just about a cable car—it is about preserving a sacred site that has been integral to their identity for generations. Mukkumlung is deeply embedded in Mundhum, the ancient oral scripture of the Yakthung, which governs their spiritual and philosophical worldview. They argue that commercializing the land for tourism not only disregards their beliefs but also accelerates a pattern of cultural erasure that indigenous groups across Nepal have long fought against.

The protest movement has garnered significant political support. Prominent identity-based political figures also joined hand with local protesters including former Deputy Prime Minister and Rastriya Mukti Party Nepal Chair Rajendra Mahato, former Minister Rakam Chemjong, and former Constituent Assembly member Raj Kumar Nalbo, have publicly backed the demonstrations in recent weeks.

In a dramatic act of defiance, activists have performed atonement rituals from the cable car station to the temple, symbolizing their resistance to what they see as a desecration of their sacred land. The protests have also extended beyond the streets—some activists have called for a boycott of Global IME Bank and other Dhakal-led businesses, framing their struggle as a broader resistance against corporate encroachment on indigenous lands.

What Lies Ahead? More Clashes, More Resistance

Despite mounting opposition, Chandra Dhakal has refused to back down. With government backing and financial muscle, construction on the cable car continues at a rapid pace, with security forces ensuring that resistance does not halt progress. This has only deepened resentment among the locals, who vow to escalate their protests in the coming months.

With the February 11–20 protest phase already announced, more clashes seem inevitable. The situation in Pathibhara is no longer just about a cable car; it has become a battleground for Nepal’s broader struggle between economic development and cultural preservation. Whether the government and corporate interests prevail, or whether the indigenous movement forces a reconsideration of the project, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: for the people of Mukkumlung, the fight is far from over.