MADEN
November 8th, 2024
It was a cold, overcast Friday on November 8th in Mukkumlung Pathibhara. On this day, it felt as if the Goddess Yuma Sammang herself sensed the impending sadness and tragedy.
That morning, representatives from political parties and the Himalayan Construction company, tasked with building the cable car, were preparing to lay the foundation stone to commence the project. They were not alone; about 35 of us from the struggle committee had also gathered at the site to oppose the ceremony. For the past five years, we, the people of Taplejung, have been waging a long and arduous struggle against the powerful cable car syndicate backed by the government.
We have been striving to engage in a meaningful dialogue with all concerned parties, urging them to consider the environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with building cable car tourism. Instead, we have been advocating for viable alternatives, such as community-based tourism, which allows local communities to take the lead in managing and benefiting from tourism activities. This approach would ensure that tourism development aligns with the community’s values and priorities, preserving their culture and environment while providing economic opportunities.
Additionally, we can focus on improving existing infrastructure, such as enhancing cycling paths and walking trails, to make the area more accessible to old, young and wheelchair users. The authorities should also explore an alternative site than Mukkumlung for the cable car project if it promises real economic benefits to the local people. We have yet to see the assessment and projected economic benefits the cable car will bring to the local community without detriment to the environment and the sacred site.
There was an air of calm resolve, but at the same time, with our breath visible in the chilly air, our hearts were pounding with a shared sense of urgency. On the other side, the hired goons and thugs bussed in by the cable car company had swelled in numbers, and we could see the hate etched on every face wielding knives and sticks. Our chants of defiance filled the air with a sense of solidarity. A line of police officers stood before us, their expressions unreadable behind their helmets. Tensions escalated quickly; our peaceful demonstration began to spiral into chaos. Stones and projectiles were hurled at us. Suddenly, the riot police, accompanied by the hired goons, rushed towards us with their lathi charge and knives. Panic struck as we scrambled to protect ourselves. In the midst of the chaos, I felt a blow to the side of my head, and that was the last thing I remembered before waking up in the hospital, getting stitched up. I also learned that my right hand was completely broken.
While my body will heal with time and care, the fear of this cultural genocide will forever remain. During my time at Minnesota State University in the USA, I frequently passed a small museum by the side of a highway, nearly hidden by overgrown trees and bushes. This museum was dedicated to the Native American Dakota people, who endured hardship and starvation due to a series of broken treaties by the U.S. government, including the public execution of 38 Dakota men. These events had a lasting impact on the Dakota community and serve as a somber reminder of the injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples.
Throughout history, dominant groups have sought to assimilate Indigenous Peoples through forced relocation, forbidding them from speaking their native languages, and imposing the cultural practices of the dominant and ruling groups. The consequences of cultural genocide in the name of economic development extend beyond the directly targeted communities, impacting the entire nation and humanity as a whole. The loss of cultural diversity diminishes the richness of human experience and understanding. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and respecting the cultural heritage of all peoples, recognizing that every culture contributes to the tapestry of the nation and human civilization.
Driven by this belief in protecting cultural diversity and preserving the identities of the Yakthungs, we, the people of Taplejung are committed to resisting the Cable Car syndicate. We will continue to strive to ensure that there remains space for the stories, ways of life, customs, and culture of all Indigenous Peoples.
Chandra Maden,
Central Committee Member,
Save Our Mukkumlung Heritage
