Protesters opposing the proposed cable car project in Pathibhara, located in the Mukkumlung region, have criticised the talks committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, claiming it is ineffective in resolving the dispute. They have demanded the formation of a political-level team, viewing the issue as political, not something to be handled by bureaucrats.

Prem Ekten, central chair of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, one of the organisations leading the protests, said, “We welcomed the initiative taken by the federal government positively, but the talks committee should have been at a political level. With one bureaucratic representative leading the talks team, this issue cannot be solved.” The protesters have also called for the release of three activists, including Pradeep Maden, who were detained in Taplejung.

“We’ve heard that eight others were arrested in Damak on Sunday,” Ekten said. “Such activities spoil the environment for talks.”

The government announced a talks team on Sunday evening, led by Home Ministry Joint Secretary Prem Prasad Bhattarai, to negotiate with the cable car protesters. It will have representatives from the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Urban Development.

The protesters have imposed a transport strike across the nine districts of Koshi Province—Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, and Terhathum. They have announced a general strike in all nine districts from Tuesday if their demands are not met by Monday.

The protest, part of a broader movement against the cable car project in the Mukkumlung area, has escalated, with the protesters claiming that the project would harm the environment, encroach on local culture, and disrupt residents’ livelihoods.

Violence erupted in Pathibhara on January 25 when clashes broke out between the ‘No Cable Car Group’ and security personnel. Two protesters were shot and injured, and several others were hurt in the confrontation, which took place at Baludanda, about one kilometre from Kaflepati.