NHRC expresses concern over Taplejung incident

KATHMANDU: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns over a recent clash in Pathibhara, Phungling Municipality-11, Taplejung district, which injured protesters and security personnel over the cable car construction issue.

The altercation occurred between police and locals protesting the construction of a cable car at Baludanda, above Kaflepati, on Saturday.

The NHRC's Koshi Province office is monitoring the incident. Previously, the commission advised that construction work should start only after an on-site inspection from November 17 to 23, 2024, following negotiations and agreements.

The local indigenous community has submitted a memorandum to the NHRC, demanding the preservation of the historical name Mukumlung, halting the cable car construction, and obtaining prior informed and free consent for development work.

Protesters Sagun Lawati, Yam Bahadur Limbu, and Dharman Palungwa are in critical condition and receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Two others have been discharged from Taplejung Hospital, while the rest are stable. Seven police personnel are also being treated at Taplejung Hospital, with the condition of others reported to be normal.

The NHRC has said the state must ensure the protection of citizens' economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights. It cited international conventions requiring the free, prior, and informed consent of indigenous peoples for development work in their areas.

The commission has urged the Government of Nepal and relevant parties to address disputes through dialogue, provide effective healthcare to the injured, and maintain peaceful protests.

Himalayan Construction commenced construction of Pathibhara Devi Mukumlung Darshan Cable Car Project on January 21.