Sixteen inmates among over 100 prisoners who escaped in the overnight clashes between the Maoists and security forces in the district headquarters of eastern Ilam district have come into contact on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) of Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) has confirmed that at least five people including two Maoists, two security men and a civilian were killed during the attack.

Officials at the DPR of RNA said there was heavy causalities on the rebels side and that the rebels had buried some of their dead comrades at Raanke area of the district.

The official further said the RNA recovered one SLR and one .303 rifle from the rebels. A search operation is on in the area to nab the rebels who fled following the attack, the official added.

According to RNA, the Maoist attack was repulsed through strong retaliation.

The clashes erupted after the rebels launched an attack at the district headquarters of Ilam targeting the District Prison Office, District Administration Office, District Police Office, the army base and other government offices at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday night. The fighting lasted till 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.

However, local reports said that at least 10 people including six Maoists, 2 security men and two civilians were killed in the fighting.