KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 3
The talks team formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to address disputes over the construction of a cable car in the Pathivara Temple (Mukkumlung) area of Taplejung district initiated discussions on Monday to resolve the ongoing conflict.
The team engaged with relevant agencies and protesting groups in an effort to reach a resolution.
"We have begun discussions with representatives of the protesting parties in Kathmandu, and preliminary talks are underway," said Prem Prasad Bhattarai, coordinator of the government-led negotiation team.
Last Saturday, the Ministry established the team under the coordination of Joint Secretary Bhattarai, while the agitating parties also formed a facilitation team consisting of representatives from the Mukkumlung (Pathivara) Temple patronage organizations and political parties.
A press statement from the protesting groups announced that they had formed a separate team, led by scholar Amar Tumyahang.
It is worth noting that local residents have been opposing the construction of the cable car, which is planned to run from Kaflepati to the sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Pathivara.
Protesters argue that the project raises environmental conservation concerns and threatens indigenous cultural heritage.