Violence erupted in the Pathibhara region on Saturday as clashes broke out between the 'No Cable Car Group’ and police, resulting in four injuries. The confrontation occurred one kilometre away from Kaflepati, at Baludanda.

According to the District Administration Office in Taplejung, three armed police officers were injured during the scuffle. Protesters also claimed that one of them was shot by police during the incident.

The altercation followed a police operation based on intelligence suggesting that protesters were hiding weapons. When a police team attempted a search, they were attacked with rocks from above by the demonstrators. Netra Prasad Sharma, the chief district officer, confirmed that items including three khukuris and a catapult were recovered from the protesters.

“Following reports of unlawful activity in the upper areas, our team, consisting of both Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepal Police, went to assess the situation. In the meantime, the protesters attacked the security forces with stones, prompting them to use tear gas in response,” said APF Deputy Superintendent of Police Naresh Maharjan.

One protester, Shri Lingkhim, claimed that a bullet fired by the police grazed his body, leaving him with minor injuries. “We were preparing for peaceful protests, making placards for tomorrow, when the police arrived and tore them up, kicking those who had come from the village. That’s when the confrontation began,” he said.

The conflict is rooted in ongoing opposition to the construction of a cable car in the Pathibhara region. Various groups, including the Mukmulung Struggle Committee and the cable car project cancellation struggle committee, have been protesting against the project. Meanwhile, the Pathibhara Mata Cable Car Company has been working on land levelling for the construction, which began earlier this week. Protesters claim the participation of over 300 people on Saturday.

Indra Kadem, from the Himalayan Construction Company, stated that the project was set to be completed within 15 months. However, protesters have warned of escalating strikes and demonstrations if the project continues without halting.

The situation in the area was reported as calm after 5 pm on Saturday, although the protesters have indicated that their campaign will continue.