December 05, 2002

KATHMANDU: Security forces have launched a massive search and blocking operation after Maoists attacked banks and police posts in Lahan overnight killing at least three policemen 150 kms southeast of the capital, security sources said.

Several soldiers have been injured in ambushes as the army tried to clear road blocks to reach the town in Siraha district. The rebels robbed the Rashtriya Banijya Bank and the Nepal Bank Ltd. and set them on fire. The insurgents also set alight offices of the District Forest Office and the Roads Department, first reports said. The army repulsed an attack on a post.

In another attack unleashed in Chanauta of Kapilbastu district in mid west Tarai, the Maoists destroyed the police post. Fifteen policemen are missing. No security personnel were killed in the attack, police said.

The rebel attack comes one day after party strongman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the party was ready for peace talks and would stop attacks against development infrastructure and political opponents. The Maoists had stated that they would not withdraw from attacking security targets.