The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) has said at least eight soldiers were killed and nine others were injured in a landmine explosion within the RNA barrack at Tamghas, the district headquarters of Gulmi, some 350 km west of capital, Kathmandu, on Saturday.

According to officials, the explosion took place at around 11:30 a. m. on Saturday as a group of soldiers were digging at the perimeter of the barrack to construct defense positions. The soldiers were new to the area and had just replaced the old battalion.

The RNA officials said injured soldiers have been airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment.

The incident has occurred just three days after the three-month-long unilateral ceasefire announced by the Maoist rebels.

The new government led by G P Koirala is likely to reciprocate to the Maoist offer, according to reports.

Over 13,000 people have been killed during the Maoist insurgency over the last decade. nepalnews.com by Apr 29 06