December 17, 2001

KATHMANDU: In continuing search and cordon operations, at least 10 Maoists were killed in an exchange of gunfire with security personnel at Jagatipur village in Jajarkot district Saturday, daily newspaper “Rajdhani” reported Monday quoting military sources.

Rebels twice attacked district headquarters Salleri of Solokhumbu district where Mount Everest lies Sunday night although casualty figures were not known, newspapers reported Monday quoting military and police sources.

At least 200 Maoists were killed in Salleri when rebels broke a four month truce and resumed hostilities on November 23 after failed peace talks with government to end a bloody six year communist insurgency.

Clashes were also reported from Ranimatta in Dailekh district. Military conducted aerial operations against rebels in Dolakha Sunday, published reports said. But there was no official confirmation of
these reports from the Defence Ministry.

A woman was seriously injured Saturday in a powerful bomb explosion at Hattileth village in Mohottari district Saturday, police said.