BIRATNAGAR: Talks between the protesting groups and the government regarding the construction of a cable car in the Pathibhara area ended today without reaching a conclusion.

The discussions broke down after the protesting groups insisted on meeting with high-level political leadership instead of the government’s designated negotiation team.

The government had formed a team led by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Prem Prasad Bhattarai, to engage with the ‘No Cable Car’ group.

Amar Tumyahang, coordinator of the negotiation facilitation committee, stated that the talks ended without an agreement because the demand for direct talks with political leadership was not addressed, and previous agreements had not been implemented.

The talks began at 11 am, following failed discussions held late into the previous Sunday.

The government had suspended the protest programs of the ‘No Cable Car’ group after forming the negotiation team.

Earlier talks had resulted in an agreement for the unconditional release of those arrested during the protest. However, the protesters claimed they were released on bail, contrary to the terms of the agreement.

A week ago, the government formed the negotiation team under Joint Secretary Prem Bhattarai to engage with the groups opposing the cable car project.

In response, the protesters formed their own negotiation team, led by Amar Tumyahang.