KATHMANDU: Transport entrepreneurs in Taplejung have announced a shutdown following a clash in the Pathibhara area on Thursday.

Taplejung Pathibhara Transport Services Pvt. Ltd. issued a press release declaring a halt to transport services from midnight on Friday (February 21).

The announcement stated that no vehicles, except for ambulances, fire trucks, and milk and vegetable carriers, will be allowed to operate at any checkpoints entering Taplejung district via Mechi Highway, Tamor Corridor, Dharan-Basantapur-Gufa Road, and other local roads in the district.

The statement condemned the incident in which the cable car opposition group damaged vehicle number May 1 Ja 2579, which was transporting health workers to Kafle Pati on Thursday.

Driver Rajkumar Poudel was severely beaten during the incident, leaving him in critical condition.

According to the statement, the Nepal government has imposed up to 260 percent customs duties and taken out high-interest bank loans to import the vehicles, which are essential for workers’ livelihood.

The Association expressed regret over the violent act and demanded immediate legal action against those responsible.

Transport entrepreneurs have called for medical treatment for the injured driver, vehicle repairs, and the assurance of safety for other transport workers.

A joint statement from Jhapa coordinator Khadga Shrestha, Ilam coordinator Grishma Subba, Panchthar coordinator Milan Giri, and Taplejung coordinator Dilip Gurung warned that if any vehicles other than ambulances, fire trucks, and milk and vegetable carriers operate during the shutdown, the individuals responsible will be held accountable for any incidents that may occur.

It should be noted that as many as 13 individuals were injured in a clash in the Pathibhara area of Taplejung on Thursday afternoon, sparked by a dispute over the construction of a cable car.

The clash occurred between the “No Cable Car” group and security personnel.

According to Taplejung Assistant Chief District Officer Sandipa Khadka, the violence began when the group began throwing stones at an armed forces camp near the cable car construction site.

Khadka reported that 6 Nepal Police personnel, 6 Armed Police personnel, and one protester were injured in the clash. Afterward, protesters also damaged the vehicle sent to rescue the injured.

The vehicle (May 1 Ja 2589), which was on its way to transport the injured, was vandalized. The protesters also damaged security equipment belonging to the Armed Police and Nepal Police.

In response, security forces fired more than half a dozen tear gas shells.

The clash occurred when the “No Cable Car” group attempted to halt the construction of the cable car.