The construction of the Pathibhara cable car has been halted following negotiations between the government and the protesting ‘No Cable Car Group’ on Tuesday. Both parties agreed to suspend construction activities and engage in further discussions regarding the project’s future, particularly concerning the station, in a meeting scheduled for February 9.
Pathibhara cable car project has faced strong opposition from indigenous and activist groups citing cultural, religious, and environmental concerns. The protest movement is spearheaded by organizations such as the Mukkumlung Conservation Joint Struggle Committee, Pathibhara Cable Car Dismissal Joint Struggle Committee, and Kirat Yakthung Chumlung Federal Committee.

Additionally, groups like Mukkumlung Tansep Chumbho, Mukkumlung Protection Inter-Party Struggle Committee, and Kirat Religion & Literature Uplifting Association are also actively involved.
Other participating organizations include the Limbu Tharagat Sanstha (Yakthung Sayang), Province 1 Renaming Joint Struggle Committee, and Province 1 Renaming Campaign Committee, all advocating for their respective causes within the movement. In response to escalating demonstrations, the Ministry of Home Affairs formed a negotiation team to engage with the protestors and seek a resolution.

Following extensive discussions, a six-point agreement was signed, which includes halting all construction activities on the Pathibhara cable car project until further discussions take place. Additionally, the agreement ensures free medical treatment for individuals injured during the protests and calls for a thorough investigation into the events of January 25, with necessary legal action to be taken.
Furthermore, the agreement mandates the unconditional release of protesters detained during the demonstrations and the lifting of the transportation blockade imposed in the Mukkumlung area. It also sets February 9, Sunday, as the date for resuming negotiations to further discuss the future of the project.

The negotiations were facilitated by Saraswati Singak (Saru) of the Negotiation Facilitation Committee, while Joint Secretary Prem Prasad Bhattarai led the government’s negotiation team.
The upcoming discussions are expected to play a decisive role in determining the future of the Pathibhara cable car project. Indigenous groups remain firm in their opposition, arguing that the project threatens their cultural heritage, while the government and investors emphasize its potential benefits for tourism and regional economic development.