At least five Maoists and one solider were killed during a clash between Maoists and security forces at Chautara of Sindupalchowk district on Sunday.

A press statement issued by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Maoists launched simultaneous attacks on the Royal Nepalese Army’s Naya Srinath Battalion, Nepal Telecom, District Administration Office, District Police Office and district jail on Sunday night.

The clash that started at around 9 p.m. on Sunday evening continued till 4.15 a.m. Monday morning.

Security forces Monday morning recovered five bodies of Maoists while a soldier was killed in the attack, the statement added.

According to the statement, Maoists planted bombs at District Hospital, District Education office and the District Post Office.

The statement further said the security force repulsed the Maoists’ attack with strong retaliation.

Four civilians who were injured during the fight are undergoing treatment at Birendra Hospital Chauni.

Roads leading to the district headquarters were blocked and Maoist militia were seen in large numbers at different places, reports quoted locals as saying. nepalnews.com pb Apr 24 06