25 injured as gunshots were fired during cable car protest in Taplejung

Biratnagar, January 26 — A clash between the police and the ‘No Cable Car Group’ protesting the construction of a cable car in the Pathibhara area of Phungling Municipality-11, Taplejung, has resulted in 25 people being injured, according to local authorities.

Chief District Officer (CDO) of Taplejung, Netra Prasad Sharma, informed that 12 police officers, including Inspector Rohit Sharma, 9 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel, and 4 members of the protest group were injured. Three injured members of the ‘No Cable Car’ group hav been taken to Nobel Hospital in Biratnagar for treatment.

Around 5:50 PM, it was reported that an activist hit Police Inspector Rohit Sharma with a stone in the face, causing his helmet to break and injuring his mouth. His teeth were shaken and his face was swollen. He is currently receiving medical treatment.

The CDO also confirmed that 12 police officers and 9 APF personnel were injured, most of whom were discharged after receiving basic treatment. However, some are still undergoing treatment. Three members of the protest group were also treated at Nobel Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds.

Two protesters, Yam Bahadur Limbu and Dharman Palunga, were shot during the clash, and one protester's leg was reported to be broken. CDO Sharma stated that the leg injury occurred during the chaos, while another protester was slightly injured and has already returned home after treatment.

The security situation in the area has been tightened, and CDO Sharma emphasized that the heavy precautions taken by the police prevented further damage. He explained that after protesters threw stones from above, the police had to fire shots in response. The situation escalated after protesters, armed with knives, logs, stones, and slingshots, attacked, and even targeted the commanding officer.

Threat to the Chief District Officer:

CDO Sharma also revealed that he had received threats from one of the protesters, Pradeep Maden, who called him before the incident and used obscene language, warning him to leave the district.

Maden allegedly declared that a war had been declared and threatened Sharma's safety. In response, Sharma reminded Maden that as a Chief District Officer, he was responsible for his own safety, and if he felt unsafe, Maden could also face danger. Sharma confirmed that Maden is being closely monitored and that legal actions are being taken.

The conflict took place in the Baludada area near Pathibhara, where police fired 12 tear gas shells and some gunshots. Tensions have risen in Taplejung since Tuesday, when the construction company began work on the cable car project. The 'No Cable Car' movement is protesting the project, claiming that the cable car would destroy the cultural identity of the Pathibhara area.