Pathibhara cable car dispute: Government and protestors resume talks

Kathmandu, February 4 — Discussions between the government and the protesting parties regarding the Pathibhara cable car project have resumed today. The talks began at the Himalaya Hotel in Lalitpur.

According to Amar Tumyahang, the coordinator of the protest committee, yesterday's discussions were positive, which led to the resumption of talks today.

He stated, "We have proposed three points: first, to suspend the cable car construction for now; second, to postpone the dialogue group; and third, to release all those who have been arrested, as well as to rescue the injured."

The government had earlier formed a negotiation team under the coordination of Prem Prasad Bhattarai, the joint secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, to address the dispute arising from the cable car project in the Pathibhara (Mukkumlung) area of Taplejung.

The team includes representatives from the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Urban Development.

Meanwhile, the protesting side has also formed a facilitation committee for the talks. The committee, headed by Amar Tumyahang, was formed on Monday, and its members include Shankar Limbu, Ram Maden, and Saraswati Singak.

The protest in the Mukkumlung area demands the cancellation of the cable car project, with indefinite transportation strikes continuing in the eastern region.