The army is using restraint as Maoists are using women and children as human shields in an effort by security forces to free 71 abducted policemen and recover looted weapons on the sixth day of operations in Rolpa Wednesday 650 kms northwest of the capital, an official announcement said.
There was no mention of the abducted policemen previously being used as human shields in the latest official announcement. Soldiers are presently deployed at Lingung village near Nuwa where the abducted policemen are being held. Officials denied reports that the army had withdrawn from the area. Additional forces have been sent to the area Wednesday, the announcement said.
Senior police officials met this week in the capital to review security and new measures after the latest escalation of Maoist attacks mainly against police targets, sources said. “Deployed security forces are determined to complete their assignment. Morale is high. Security forces are using restraint to protect the lives of civilians,” an announcement said.
Human rights activist Padma Ratna Tuladhar told Nepalnews Wednesday there have been no deaths in the entire military operation that was launched Thursday. “Both the sides have urged maximum restraint. There have been no deaths in the operation,” Tuladhar said.
Government also denied reports of casualties as reports said several dozen rebels were killed in the first direct confrontation between the army and Maoists. But government has officially confirmed three soldiers were wounded in an attack on an army helicopter in Rukum Thursday.
Independent confirmation of government, rebel or other claims could not be made.