Eight rebels killed in clashes: RNA

The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) said a total of eight Maoist rebels were killed in separate clashes over the last two days.

In what is seen as the first major clash after the declaration of unilateral ceasefire by the Maoist rebels, RNA said six Maoist rebels were killed during clashes with security personnel at Bahadurpur area of Palpa district in western Nepal on Saturday.

The RNA battalion in western town of Butwal said the rebels were killed in two way gun battle. Chief of the battalion, Narendra Bahadur Rawal, told reporters Sunday afternoon that a team of security personnel on regular patrol were attacked by the insurgents. He said then opened fire in which the rebels were killed. He said six other rebels were also taken into custody.

The Directorate of Public Relations of the RNA in Kathmandu said a girl child allegedly injured in indiscriminate firing by the rebels has been airlifted and is undergoing treatment at the military hospital at Chhauni, Kathmandu.

In a separate incident, the RNA said two rebels were killed during clashes at Ausidada area in the eastern district of Tehrathum on Sunday. It said the security personnel recovered bombs, explosives and documents related to the Maoists from the site of the clashes.

Meanwhile, Maoist sources have said of six rebels killed at Bahadurpur area of Palpa district, one was a villager. They said the security personnel have also taken into custody two people from Koldada area of Palpa district including an Area Secretary of the Maoist party, Prem Dhakal.

The Maoists said security personnel have taken into custody two people from Ghiring area of Tanahun district including a member of Maoist-affiliated All Nepal Women's Association, Sushila Basyal.

Earlier, Maoist chairman Prachanda had alleged the government of intensifying its security operations and provoking his party to withdraw unilateral ceasefire.

The Maoists had declared a three-month-long unilateral ceasefire early this month saying that the decision was taken respecting Nepali people's desire for peace. nepalnews.com by Sep 25 05

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