KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 23
Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for an immediate halt to the construction of a cable car in the Pathibhara area, arguing that it was initiated against the will of local residents.
During the Emergency Hour of today's House of Representatives (HoR) meeting, lawmakers urged the government to intervene and prevent further escalation of tensions, as locals continue to resist the project.
MP Rajendra Prasad Lingden stated that Pathibhara has turned into a battleground due to a failure to consider local sentiments. He emphasized that the public should not be forced into conflict to serve the interests of a businessman.
Similarly, MP Yogesh Bhattarai noted that tensions have been rising in the Pathibhara Mukumlung area of Taplejung district for several days over the cable car issue. Lawmaker Toshima Karki stressed that the project must be made dispute-free and urged the government to seek a resolution through negotiations rather than force.
Shifting the focus, MP Madhav Sapkota expressed concerns over Nepal's placement on the "grey list" for money laundering, attributing it to poor governance. He criticized the government's inaction against those involved in misconduct at the office of National Sports Council Member Secretary Tankalal Ghising.
Meanwhile, MP Tara Lama accused the local administration of injuring residents while attempting to clear settlements in Beldandi, Kanchanpur. She demanded that the government provide medical treatment to the injured and take action against those responsible.
MP Padam Giri expressed grief over the death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT University in Odisha, India, last Sunday. He alleged that the victim had been subjected to both mental and physical abuse and was denied the necessary protection.
MP Ishwari Devi Nyupane addressed ongoing debates regarding the former king's statement on the eve of Republic Day. She asserted that any attack on the democratic republic, regardless of its guise, is unacceptable.
Raising labor concerns, MP Rama Koirala accused manpower agencies of illegally sending workers abroad, causing severe hardships for them.
MP Raghuji Pant acknowledged that the Nepalese government's intervention following the KIIT University incident had resolved some issues but noted that the situation remains unresolved.
Lawmaker Mahesh Basnet called for the expansion and improvement of the Mechi Highway, citing an increasing number of road accidents and rising vehicular traffic.
Lastly, MP Ramprakash Chaudhary informed the government that a herd of wild elephants has been wreaking havoc in northern Sarlahi, destroying commercial banana and maize farms. He demanded compensation for the affected farmers.
