Kathmandu – As tensions escalate in the Pathibhara cable car dispute, local governments have imposed a ban order until further notified by Phungling and Kaflepati.
Chief Regional Officer Netra Prasad Sharma issued an order to ban gatherings of five people, gatherings and demonstrations starting at 5 a.m. Sunday.
The restricted area of Phungling extends from Salleri in District 7 to Salleri in the east, Ghodechaur Kaflepati in Ward 7, Ward 4 in the north, and the Sherpatole and Sherpatole and Kanchanjungha Veterinary Districts, in Ward 6 in the south. In Kaflepati, the restricted area covers the Tourism Police Department in the east, the Dadhele area in the west, the cable car station and water source area in the north, and the new bus park jungle area in the south.
There was a clash between police and protesters Saturday night. Protesters leader Kirtiman Maden said three injured protesters were taken to the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Darland while nine protesters were treated at the Meaton Regional Hospital. Nine police officers were also injured and were being treated in regional hospitals, according to the government.
Protesters against the cable car project walk and vehicles set off from Kaflipatti. Upon arriving at the regional headquarters, they held a demonstration, including a torch rally. Protesters reportedly chased police and threw burning objects on the building.
Several protesters were injured and more than a dozen were arrested during the police crackdown. However, the government has not disclosed the exact figures.
Tensions continue to intensify, protesters demand a cessation of construction and the government conducts advanced negotiations. Various groups under the “Cable-free” movement launched protests, believing that the project threatened the environment, violated the indigenous Linbu culture and destroyed local livelihoods.
