A clash erupted in Phungling Municipality-10, Taplejung, on Friday during a foundation-stone laying ceremony for the Pathibhara Cable Car project, as protesters confronted security personnel.
The tension escalated when locals blocked a vehicle transporting construction materials from Phungling to the cable car project site. Locals have been staging demonstration against the construction of the cable car project.
A large number of security personnel have been deployed to preempt any onward incidents.
Pro-identity groups have been consistently protesting the cable car project, arguing that it will damage the region's pristine natural environment and erode local traditions, culture, and identity. They have also demanded that Pathibhara be renamed as 'Mukumlung'.
Located in the eastern hilly district Taplejung, Pathibhara is a popular religious destination in Nepal where tens of thousands of devotees do visit every year.
(Photos by Hemraj Niraula)
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