Kathmandu, Feb. 24 -- The ethnic groups calling for identity-based naming of the Koshi Province now seem to be concentrating their energies in protests against the Pathibhara cable car project in Taplejung. This apparent shift has led to allegations that they are using religious issues to gain traction after their identity-based politics failed to gather momentum.

Amar Tumyahang, a representative of the 'No Cable Car' campaign, acknowledges that the fight for identity-based naming has now morphed into the fight in Pathibhara. However, he insists that the original cause has not been abandoned and argues that the religious aspect reinforces their identity-based agenda.

"We have opposed the decision on the project ever since the Cabinet ap...