KATHMANDU: Growing disputes over the Kathmandu-Pathibhara cable car project have prompted the Taplejung District Administration Office to issue a prohibitory order. Citing increasing instability and violent clashes between project supporters and opposers, Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma issued the directive at midnight on Saturday. The restrictions went into force at 5 a.m. on Sunday and will remain in place until further notice.
The district capital, Phungling Bazaar, and the Kaflepati and Baludanda districts of Pathibhara are also subject to the restriction order. Authorities used Section 6(3)(a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028, to enforce the measure after a violent altercation broke out between security guards and the No Cable Car group in Phungling on Saturday night. The fight left at least 24 people hurt, four of whom needed intensive care outside the area.
DSP Ravi Rawal, the district police chief, reported that 12 demonstrators and 12 security guards were hurt in the altercation. Five security guards are being treated at a nearby hospital, and three demonstrators and one security guard were sent for additional care outside of Taplejung. Police used two rounds of tear gas and detained fifteen people on suspicion of rioting in an attempt to restore calm.
Demonstrators, meanwhile, have accused security forces of employing excessive force, claiming that officers brutally arrested people, broke into homes and hotels, and assaulted locals. Kirtiman Madan, the leader of the protest, said the police arrested people without reason, damaged property, and broke into homes at night. These allegations have been refuted by authorities, who claim that their action was required to maintain situational control.
The riot started after the No Cable Car group, which had planned a foot march from February 18 to February 20, held a demonstration and torch march in Phungling. Security forces came in, talking about the fire hazards, and that tension erupted into a full-fledged confrontation. While the protesters allege that law enforcement's actions later set off a violent spree, officials state the need for intervention for public safety.
Local sources said that pandemonium erupted thereafter. The government declared a nighttime curfew in sensitive areas of Phungling, Pathibhara, Kaflepati, and Baludanda to prevent any further loss of life and control the damage. Under imposed restrictions, there is limited movement and gathering in some affected areas.
In Taplejung, the conflict does not seem to be over as both parties have contradictory statements about the incident. Protesters continue to resist their perceived repressive measures, while the officials state that restoring order requires this force. Harassing opposition to the Kathmandu-Pathibhara cable car project keeps the project in its uncertain future.
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