"Protests Erupt Outside Chandra Dhakal’s Global IME Bank in Kathmandu, Demanding ‘No Cable Car’ in Pathibhara", 27 January 2025

Tensions escalate as the ‘No Cable Car Group’ protests against businessman Chandra Dhakal’s Global IME Bank headquarters in Kathmandu, with threats of further protests outside his residence.

This follows a violent crackdown on protesters in Taplejung’s Pathibhara region, where demonstrators in the ongoing ‘No Cable Car Movement’ were met with gunfire by the police. In response, protesters staged a sit-in at the central office of businessman Chandra Dhakal’s Global IME Bank in Kathmandu.

Dhakal, the president of the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), is leading a controversial cable car project … The move has sparked fierce opposition from the local community, who argue that the project disregards their religious sentiments and threatens the sanctity of the region.

Despite widespread protests, including concerns over the impact on the environment and sacred lands, Dhakal’s IME Group has pushed forward with the construction, employing political and administrative influence to secure support…

The protest erupted in Taplejung’s Pathibhara region after police opened fire on the demonstrators, wounding several, … These activists argue that the cable car project is an attempt to erase local identity, language, and religion.

Local groups, including the Mukmulung Struggle Committee and the Cable Car Project Cancellation Struggle Committee, have been vocal against the project. They warn that the cable car construction in Pathibhara’s sacred hills will not be tolerated. While the Pathibhara Mata Cable Car Company works on land levelling for the project, opposition grows stronger, with some accusing Dhakal of pushing the project at any cost…

…, at least 24 people were injured in a clash between the ‘No Cable Car Group’ and the police in Taplejung. Among them 20 police officers and four protesters were injures when police opened fire to control the situation…

Initially, the directors of the project companies distanced themselves due to public outrages and protests…