A six years old child was killed in an explosion of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Maoists in Chakuliya area in the far-western district of Kailali Tuesday.

Krishna Kumal of Rajbara area, who was playing at the time of blast, died on the spot, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Meanwhile, two Maoist insurgents were killed in separate clashes with the security forces in Khotang and Banke districts.

The MoD statement said one Maoist was killed at around 9:00 a.m. during a search operation conducted by the security forces in Dorpa area of Choudidanda VDC-5 in Khotang district on Tuesday. The dead Maoist has been identified as Ujjwal.

Meanwhile, body of a Maoist vice battalion commander, Santosh Rana Magar alias Shishir, was found during a search carried out in Bharaiya area of Banke district following a clash between the security forces and the rebels this morning.

The MoD quoting eyewitnesses said at least three dead bodies of Maoists killed in the gun-battle were taken away by the rebels. nepalnews.com mk Apr 11 06