Missing security personnel come into contact: Police (news update)

January 12, 2006
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Some one dozen policemen reported missing since clashes between the security personnel and Maoist rebels in far-western town of Dhangadhi have come into contact, security sources said.

At least four persons including three policemen and a woman were injured during the clashes that started Wednesday evening and lasted for more than three hours.

Officials at the District Police Office at Dhangadhi, Kailali said all 23 policemen stationed at the ward police office at Dhangadhi municipality ward no. 5 — who were reported missing since Wednesday’s clashes– have come into contact. Rebels have claimed that they have looted weapons from the ward police office. They have also claimed that there have been casualties on the side of the policemen.

Rebels opened fire simultaneously targeting a number of security installations, district prison and banks Wednesday evening. A senior army source in Dhangadhi said the rebels seemed to have targeted the district prison but could not break the security cordon.

Within days of the royal takeover, rebels had attacked the district prison at Dhangadhi in February last year and set over 160 inmates free. At least six persons including five security personnel were killed during the attacks. Government later reinforced security at the prison.

After withdrawing their unilateral ceasefire early this month, rebels have been targeting municipalities with a view to disrupt the municipal polls slated on February 8, this year.

Officials, however, say adequate security arrangements will be made to conduct the polls.