Four protestors have been injured in a clash during a protest against the construction of a cable car in Pathibhara area of Phungling Municipality-11, Taplejung. The clash occurred when police fired shots to control the protest, also injuring some police personnel. Among the injured protestors, three are in critical condition.
The “No Cable Car Group,” which opposes the cable car construction, had planned to begin their protest today, Sunday. To prevent the protest, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force were deployed on Saturday. The clash began around 6 p.m. in the Baludada area of Pathibhara when protestors started pelting stones at the police, prompting the police to open fire.
According to DSP Ravi Rawal of the District Police Office, Taplejung, four protestors were injured in the clash. Yam Bahadur Limbu, Sagun Lawati, Dharman Palungwa, and Mangal Lawati were among those injured. Yam Bahadur, Dharman, and Sagun Lawati sustained gunshot wounds, and their condition is critical. They were referred to Nobel Medical College in Biratnagar for further treatment after initial care at the District Hospital in Taplejung. Mangal Lawati sustained minor injuries.
DSP Rawal also reported that 12 police personnel were injured in the clash. Taplejung’s Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma claimed that the security forces fired shots after protestors attacked them with slingshots and stones from Baludada.
A clash had also occurred earlier on Saturday afternoon between the police and the “No Cable Car” group, during which the police fired 12 rounds of tear gas. That incident also left some injured.
Tensions have escalated in Taplejung since the construction company began work on the Pathibhara cable car project on Tuesday. Identity activists have launched the “No Cable Car Movement,” arguing that the construction of the cable car will erase the cultural and historical identity of the Pathibhara area.
While the protestors were preparing for a peaceful demonstration on Sunday, the state targeted and fired at individuals, claimed kirat Yakthung Chumlung General Secretary Niranti Tumbapo. Civil society and political leaders have condemned the police’s excessive use of force against the protestors.
