Taplejung: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has urged parties opposing the cable car construction project in Pathibhara, Taplejung, to engage in dialogue. In response to lawmakers’ concerns during a National Assembly session, Minister Lekhak emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the cable car construction disputes through negotiation.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Home Minister stated that the government is dedicated to finding a peaceful resolution. A talks team was established on February 2 under the leadership of the Home Ministry’s joint-secretary, and it is actively engaging with the protesting parties. Despite recent challenges in advancing discussions, both sides have held multiple meetings, and further talks are scheduled for February 24.
The Minister assured that the government is attentive to the social, religious, and cultural concerns of locals regarding the project. He informed the assembly that the Council of Ministers had approved the clearing of vegetation in the forest area for the cable car construction on December 31, 2018.
Preparations for the project’s implementation were initiated earlier, and on January 16, 2024, it was decided at the deputy prime ministerial and home ministerial level to collaborate with the Nepal Police for security arrangements. This included establishing a security management camp of the Armed Police Force at the project’s button station. Consequently, both the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed to the area for security purposes.