KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 23
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has demanded that the cable car construction work in Pathibhara, Taplejung, be stopped immediately.
On behalf of the party, RSP lawmaker Toshima Karki demanded that the construction be stopped immediately while speaking in the House of Representatives during an emergency session on Sunday.
"I would like to request on behalf of the entire RSP that the ongoing construction work there be suspended for the time being and that this issue be addressed and resolved through dialogue with all stakeholders, supporters, protesters, organizers and citizens," Karki said.
She emphasised that the government resolve the issue through dialogue rather than force. She further asked, "Does development mean beating, baton charging and firing bullets? Is this development or destruction?"
She claimed that because the previous agreement with the locals had not been implemented, citizens' trust in the government was shaken, resulting in the current situation.
Similarly, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden has called for an immediate halt to the cable car project in the Pathibhara area.
Tensions in the area have been rising almost daily since the government used force to protest the cable car's construction. On Saturday night, police clashed with locals at the district headquarters.
Earlier, Lingden, posting photos and videos of the clash on social media, urged the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Chandra Dhakal to halt construction of the cable car and prevent the society from becoming divided.
Today, while speaking in parliament, he asked, "Prime Minister, Home Minister, what have you done? Taplejung has now turned into a battlefield. You should not divide society to this extent that they are ready to kill and be killed, just to build a cable car. Stop your decision to build the cable car immediately to avoid societal conflict."
On the other hand, CPN-UML Secretary and lawmaker Yogesh Bhattarai stated in today's House of Representatives meeting that it should not be forgotten that the private sector has been granted legal permission to construct a cable car in Pathibhara, Taplejung.
"We should not forget that the private sector was granted permission under Nepal's laws and regulations. The work has continued on that basis," stated Bhattarai.
"Everyone has the right to protest. However, there are limitations. Protests should be conducted in a civilised and peaceful manner."
He stated that no one is against development, but that bringing religion and culture into politics will cause controversy.
He stated that the situation became tense due to the anti-cable car group's torch demonstration on Saturday night, but the police exercised restraint to avoid further damage.
