There are reports of several Maoist casualties in the “search and rescue” operation in Rolpa, where army troops are helping police rescue 70 policemen that were abducted on Thursday.
A security source told Nepalnews.com that Maoist casualties could be higher. The Maoists are said to be using the 70 abducted policemen and villagers as human shields. There is no report of casualties on the government side.
Three army personnel, including a helicopter pilot, are reported to be injured. They have been brought to Kathmandu for treatment.
Newspapers said army have surrounded a large area of forested area in Rolpa but government officials have not confirmed the casualties. The army is said to have surrounded all possible escape routes of the Maoists.
In a statement issued of Friday Maoist Chairman Prachanda said his party was willing to exchange the roughly 80 prisoners they were holding in exchange for political prisoners from government jails. Without referring to the rescue operations, he added that it is his party’s policy to attack the army only if attacked.