The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) has said that over 8029 Maoists have been killed in security actions since its deployment against the rebels in November 2001.

Army officials informed reporters during a regular press briefing at the RNA headquarters in Kathmandu on Tuesday that of the total 8029 Maoists killed in security actions, 5086 were killed after the breakdown of ceasefire in August 2003. An additional 1723 Maoists could have been killed till today while 401 Maoists were killed in security actions since September 03, 2005 when the rebels declared unilateral ceasefire. Similarly, 461 Maoists were injured in the clashes with the security forces.

A statement distributed in the press briefing said altogether 635 army personnel lost their lives in clashes with the Maoists since the breakdown of peace talks in August 2003 till today. It said the 3869 Maoists have given in till date.

The Maoists have killed 1237 civilians including political activists since the onset of the insurgency, RNA statement said.

Speaking at the press briefing, RNA spokesperson Brigadier General Nepal Bhushan Chand said the RNA was committed to improve its human rights record. He informed that as many as 265 army personnel found guilty of human rights violation have been penalised as per the military law.

He said the army has responded to 74 percent complaints and concerns pertaining to human rights coming from various sides until March 24 this year while homework is on to respond to all of them. Chand added that except for a few hardcore Maoist cadres all others have been transferred to civil authorities.

Chanda also said the RNA has allowed national and international human rights organizations like the National Human Rights Commission, OHCHR and the ICRC to visit its barracks and assess the condition of detainees.