Seven Maoists killed, more details

Seven Maoists were killed overnight in separate encounters with the army, the Defence Ministry said Thursday. Two rebels, including a woman, were killed in Gorkha district and one each were killed in Lamjung, Panchthar, Khotang, Myagdhi and Nuwaakot, an official announcement said.

One policeman injured in a rebel attack on a police post in Panchthar died Thursday while undergoing treatment in Dharan where five others are also being treated, the Home Ministry said. At least three rebels died in a five hour shoot-out that ensued. One insurgent has been killed by police reinforcements, the Home Ministry said.

Twenty-seven maoists and suspects were arrested Wednesday for questioning, an official announcement said. Security forces recovered 14 guns, bombs and explosives overnight, the Defence Ministry said.