By Nepal News Correspondent

Kathmandu, Feb 23:

One cop and 18 Maoist guerillas were killed in two separate incidents in Rukum, about 450 kilometer from Kathmandu, Tuesday.

The incidents took place in Khaulachheran and Sukedaha villages of Rukum district.

Police killed 12 guerillas in Sukedaha and 6 in Khaula Chherna village.

They were killed in an encounter with police.

According to police, all the insurgents were in combat uniform. Police also seized nine rifles from the guerillas.

One police personnel was also killed in the encounter with the Maoist guerillas in the same district. The cop who was killed is identified as Ganesh Khatri.

According to police the incidents took place about 0100 hrs Tuesday.

Other details are not known.