December 5, 2004

KATHMANDU: At least one army man was killed in a gunbattle with the Maoists at Chainabar area along the Mahendra Highway in Bardiya district Sunday afternoon. One security person has been injured in the incident, latest reports said.

The clash erupted when the Maoists opened fire at the security troops who were returning to the army camp at Thakurdwara after clearing the barricades put by the Maoists on the highway.

Reports quoting security sources at the Nepalganj-based army Pritana (division) said the battle that started from 2:00 p.m. is still going on while backup forces have been sent to the area. Arial surveillance has also been launched as the Maoists have been firing shots from nearby hilltops.

The rebels have placed landmines at several places along the Mahendra Highway to obstruct the movement of the security forces, reports added.

Details of the incident are still awaited.