December 13, 2001

KATHMANDU: Soldiers shot dead a Maoist overnight in Charikot in Dolakha district as he tried to break a security cordon, a Defence Ministry announcement said Thursday.

Rebels Wednesday torched a vehicle of the Department of Roads in Phidim in Tehrathum district, police said.

Security forces continued their search and cordon operation nation-wide Thursday and recovered hidden arms, explosives and ammunition in Okhaldhunga, Rolpa, Darchula, Chitwan, Gorkha, Bajang, Myagdi and Lamjung districts as 24 Maoists were arrested, the Defence Ministry said.

Rebels continue to abandon the underground party and surrender to local administration. Insurgents who attempted to disrupt a public religious function at a village in Lalitpur district fled after soldiers arrived there overnight to give security, the Defence Ministry.

Meanwhile, the firepower of the army has been increased with the arrival of two “Chethak” assault helicopters to pin down the rebels in their mountain hideouts.