KATHMANDU: The construction of the Pathibhara cable car project, led by businessman Chandra Dhakal, has sparked growing controversy, violent clashes, and confrontations in Nepal in recent weeks.
The Mukkumlung region in Nepal’s eastern Taplejung district, a site of religious significance in Kirati scriptures, has become the focal point of a rising identity-based movement that is now drawing international attention and support.
Tensions flared after the January 25 clashes, during which several local protesters were injured by police gunfire.
The unrest led to a temporary shutdown in eastern Nepal before an agreement was reached, halting both the cable car construction and protests until February 9. However, the dispute shows no signs of abating.
The Mukkumlung Struggle Committee, which is spearheading the protests, has expanded the movement into a broader identity-based struggle in eastern Nepal.
The issue has gained international traction, with 286 organizations around the world expressing solidarity with the opposition to the Pathibhara cable car project.
In response to mounting concerns, the government and the ‘No Cable Car Group’ reached a six-point agreement to temporarily pause the project.
A new round of negotiations is set to take place tomorrow, as both sides seek a resolution.
Meanwhile, the International Network for Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net) has sent an urgent appeal to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, calling for an immediate halt to the project and urging the government to address human rights violations linked to the ongoing protests.
The global coalition of over 300 organizations, issued a formal appeal to the Nepal government, urging it to immediately halt the construction of the Pathibhara Cable Car project in Taplejung district.
The request, addressed to Prime Minister Oli and Home Minister Lekhak, comes amid growing unrest among local communities, particularly the Indigenous Limbu people, who regard the area as a sacred site.
The letter, signed by Chris Grove, Executive Director of ESCR-Net, highlights concerns over the project’s potential to violate economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the environmental impact due to deforestation.
The group also stresses the lack of consultation with the Indigenous Limbu community, noting that the project has moved forward without securing Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), a violation of the community’s right to self-determination.
The situation has escalated following a violent confrontation on January 25, 2025, between protesters and security forces.
The incident resulted in gunshot injuries to two protesters, further highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution.
ESCR-Net’s letter urges the government to halt the construction of the cable car project and conduct comprehensive consultations with the affected communities, securing their FPIC.
Likewise, it has also asked the government to withdraw the heavy security presence in the region to reduce tensions and create an environment conducive to dialogue.
The ESCR-Net has further urged the Government of Nepal to conduct an independent investigation into the January 25 incident and hold those responsible for excessive use of force accountable.
It has also demanded the release of individuals who have been falsely accused or unlawfully detained in connection with the protests.
The group emphasized that Nepal, as a signatory to various international human rights treaties, has a legal obligation to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples and ensure environmental justice.
The ongoing violence and displacement associated with the project not only breach these commitments but also set a troubling precedent for future development projects in the country.
The letter concluded by urging the Nepal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Limbu people and other affected communities to ensure that development does not come at the expense of human rights.
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