At least 10 Maoists have been killed in latest encounters with the security forces in different parts of the country during the last 24 hours.
Seven Maoists were killed in a fierce gunfight with the security forces at Arunkhola, a bordering area between Belhani and Tamasiya VDCs along the Mahendra Highway in Nawalparasi district Thursday afternoon, reports said.
Three security personnel were injured in the clash and a massive search operation continues in the area, reports added quoting security sources.
Similarly, one Maoist was killed in an encounter with the security forces at Syala Bazaar of the mid-western Jajarkot district today, the Directorate of the Public Relation (DPR) of the army said.
On Wednesday, two Maoists were killed in retaliatory action by the security troops in Begadi area of Nawalparasi. The dead militants have been identified as Uma Shankar Yadav, an area commander and area secretary Ganga Yadav.
Meanwhile, an armed group of Maoists abducted 26 villagers in Gogane VDC, Manwanpur district, on Tuesday, accusing them of being involved in anti-Maoist resistance activities. Reports said the Maoists manhandled the villagers before marching them to an unknown location.