Maoists will release captured civilians and policemen at a mass meeting in Surkhert later Monday, a newspaper close to the rebels said.

Insurgents last week released a senior leader of the ruling Nepali Congress party in Bajura district three months after capture. Daily newspaper Janadesh said the captured are being released quoting an unnamed Maoist source. Maoist strongmen Prachanda said last week people in rebel custody would be released soon.

Government says 188 civilians and policemen are in rebel hands. The gesture comes ahead of the third round of talks between government and Maoists to end a communist insurgency that has claimed more than 1,800 lives in nearly six years.

Government has also released some rebels from prisons and is preparing to release more prisoners.