Maoist rebels and residents clashed in Jumla when the local people refused to give in to Maoist demands and collectively countered the guerilla activities, police said.

Local people made five armed insurgents captives and disarmed them in Birat Kanakasundari village of Jumla district on Saturday. After that incident, another group of armed rebels attacked, but the villagers people countered the rebels. Maoists then opened fire at the crowd indiscriminately, in which seven people were injured, police said.

Maoist rebels also abducted some people, police said. The Sinja Valley, where Kanakasundari village is situated, has been tense for the last two days. A group of policemen has been dispatched to bring the situation under control and free the abducted people. Other details are not available.

There are also reports that Maoist rebels abducted some people in Khamlalung village of Teherathum district. Officials were not available to confirm it.