KATHMANDU: Tensions escalate as the ‘No Cable Car Group’ protests against businessman Chandra Dhakal’s Global IME Bank headquarters in Kathmandu, with threats of further protests outside his residence.

This follows a violent crackdown on protesters in Taplejung’s Pathibhara region, where demonstrators in the ongoing ‘No Cable Car Movement’ were met with gunfire by the police. In response, protesters staged a sit-in at the central office of businessman Chandra Dhakal’s Global IME Bank in Kathmandu.

Dhakal, the president of the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), is leading a controversial cable car project aimed at connecting Kaphlepaty in Phungling-11 to the Pathibhara temple. The move has sparked fierce opposition from the local community, who argue that the project disregards their religious sentiments and threatens the sanctity of the region.

Despite widespread protests, including concerns over the impact on the environment and sacred lands, Dhakal’s IME Group has pushed forward with the construction, employing political and administrative influence to secure support. Recently, authorities, under Dhakal’s sway, deployed both Nepal Police and Armed Police Forces to suppress opposition in the area, which led to the injury of four protesters.

The protest erupted in Taplejung’s Pathibhara region after police opened fire on the demonstrators, wounding several, including key figures like Yam Bahadur Limbu, Sagun Lawati, and Dharman Palungwa. These activists argue that the cable car project is an attempt to erase local identity, language, and religion.

Local groups, including the Mukmulung Struggle Committee and the Cable Car Project Cancellation Struggle Committee, have been vocal against the project. They warn that the cable car construction in Pathibhara’s sacred hills will not be tolerated. While the Pathibhara Mata Cable Car Company works on land levelling for the project, opposition grows stronger, with some accusing Dhakal of pushing the project at any cost.

The situation remains tense as the conflict over the Pathibhara Cable Car project intensifies, leaving the local community divided and fearful of further escalation.

On Saturday, at least 24 people were injured in a clash between the ‘No Cable Car Group’ and the police in Taplejung. Among them 20 police officers and four protesters were injures when police opened fire to control the situation.

On November 8, at least 5 people were injured in a clash during the foundation stone laying. The dissatisfaction of the protesters has increased after the foundation stone laying ceremony of the cable car construction was carried out with a large number of police. The protest, which started in Taplejung, has now spread to Kathmandu.

Locals accuse FNCCI president and businessman Chandra Dhakal of misusing state power to suppress their opposition by leveraging the police. Mukmulung Sangharsh Samiti, has been at the forefront of the protests against the construction of the cable car at the religious site. One protester states that their opposition began from the outset due to concerns that the project would infringe upon the religious and cultural rights of the Kirat community.

Despite strong opposition from the local community, the government has deployed the Armed Police Force to forcibly implement the Pathibhara Cable Car project, spearheaded by FNCCI president Dhakal.

Tensions escalated when the government deployed the Armed Police Force to Fungling Municipality-11, Kaflepati of Taplejung, ostensibly to set up a camp with basic provisions. However, locals argue that this move is a blatant abuse of state authority aimed at advancing Dhakal’s business interests.

Dhakal’s Pathibhara Darshan Cable Car project intends to construct a cable car system, which will involve the felling of 10,231 trees across 4.97 hectares of forest. Despite the ecological and cultural concerns, Dhakal appears undeterred and has consolidated control over the project.

Initially, the directors of the project companies distanced themselves due to public outrages and protests. When Chandra Dhakal acquired the cable car project for a 40-year contract, with construction set to be completed in three years. The agreement included a clause to renew every two years with a fee of Rs 150,000 only. However, the initial company investors were unable to continue due to local opposition. Since then, Dhakal has used state power to press forward with the project, disregarding the obstacles and local resistance.