Four Maoists insurgents were killed in an encounter with security forces at Bangi area of the western Arghakhanchi district Tuesday.

Vice-secretary of the self-styled district people’s government and the district coordinator of the economic bureau of the rebel party were among the dead, according to the Directorate of the Public Relations (DPR) of the army.

One pistol, bullets, socket bombs and devices used in detonating landmine were recovered from the Maoists, a DPR statement said.

Meanwhile, acting head of the Dipayal-based Far-western Pritana (army division), Brigadier General Rajendra Bahadur Thapa, has been promoted to Major General. He received the insignia from army chief, Pyar Jang Thapa, at the army headquarters in Kathmandu today. nepalnews.com mbk Feb 22 05