TAPLEJUNG: The ongoing cable car construction controversy in the Pathibhara (Mukumlung) area of Taplejung is becoming increasingly heated. Identity groups and the ‘No Cable Car’ group, which are opposing the cable car construction, have blocked roads across the district today.

In response to the recent clashes in Pathibhara, a traffic shutdown has been implemented on the Mechi Highway and Tamor Corridor. Short and long-distance traffic on the Mechi Highway has been disrupted due to the shutdown.

The District Administration Office has mobilized security personnel at various places to clear traffic. The identity group and the ‘No Cable Car’ group held a joint demonstration on Saturday against the project being carried out by the Pathibhara Mata Cable Car Company. A clash during the demonstration led to the need to open fire. Four people were injured in the demonstration, and three of the injured were brought to Kathmandu by an army sky truck.

The owner of the company, Chandra Dhakal is going to build a cable car in Pathibhara. He is also the president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the owner of Global IME Bank.

If Dhakal’s company does not stop the cable car construction in Pathibhara, they will hold sit-in and protest at Global IME Bank branches across Koshi Province.