Heavy clashes in Kalikot, details are sketchy (news update)

August 8, 2005
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Latest reports from remote mid-western district of Kalikot say there could have been heavy casualty on both the sides during fierce clashes between security forces and Maoist insurgents overnight Sunday.

A huge group of armed insurgents had surrounded a temporary base of Royal Nepalese Army at Pili along the under-construction Karnali highway and mounted fierce attack at around 6:15 p. m. Sunday. Two way gun battle continued throughout the night. Night vision helicopters were also sent for the aid of security personnel, according to reports.

The Royal Nepalese Army said at least one solider was killed and three others were injured during the clashes. But a Maoist statement claimed that there have been heavy casualty on the part of the security personnel.

A senior Maoist leader, Prabhaker, admitted that 22 rebels were killed and 45 others were injured during the clashes.

It is almost impossible to independently verify claims and counter-claims made by warring sides during such clashes.

In case of Kalikot, the difficult terrain provided a classic ‘launching pad’ for the insurgents to mount surprise attack against the security personnel, reports said.

The state-owned Radio Nepal said around 100 civilians – who were working as construction workers in the highway– were also residing within the temporary security base during the time of Maoist offensive. It did not say anything about their fate.

Over 11,000 Nepalis have lost their lives in the nine-year-old insurgency. nepalnews.com by Aug 08 05