Kathmandu – CPN-UML lawmaker Yogesh Bhattarai has claimed that the construction of a cable car in Taplejung is being carried out in line with constitutional provisions.
Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Sunday, Bhattarai asserted that the government had assigned the responsibility for the cable car project to a private entity as per the constitution.
While acknowledging the right to oppose development projects, he emphasized that such opposition should remain within acceptable limits. Bhattarai also accused an anti-cable car protest group of throwing fire torches at local houses during a torch rally on Saturday night.
He further alleged that personal interests were being disguised as religious and cultural concerns in opposition to the project. According to Bhattarai, politicizing development and religious-cultural issues could have serious consequences.
“The federal, provincial, and local governments have entrusted a private entity with the construction of the cable car in Taplejung, strictly following constitutional provisions. Everyone has the right to protest, but there should be limits, Mr. Speaker. Protests should be conducted in a civilized, restrained, and peaceful manner. Unfortunately, last night, Taplejung Bazaar was thrown into turmoil due to the torch rally led by anti-cable car protesters,” he said.
Bhattarai expressed concern over the unrest, calling it regrettable in a democratic nation like Nepal. He urged all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than resorting to violence.