Govt invites groups protesting Pathibhara cable car construction for talks

KATHMANDU: The government has invited groups opposing the construction of a cable car in Pathibhara (Mukumlung), Taplejung, for talks.

Prem Prasad Bhattarai, a joint spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinator of the government talks team, issued a statement on Monday evening, appealing to the protesting parties to come forward for dialogue and negotiations.

“The government sincerely appeals to the protesting parties to engage in talks and dialogue to address the social, religious, cultural, and other concerns raised by the local community,” the statement added. “The construction of the cable car has been temporarily suspended, and we urge the protesting parties to come for talks for a peaceful resolution of the issues.”

The home ministry formed the talks team on February 4.

Tensions escalated after clashes broke out between the police and the protesting parties over the construction of the cable car.