Security personnel, rebels clash in Dadeldhura

January 4, 2006
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There are reports of clashes between security forces and Maoist rebels at Mauriya in the far-western district of Dadeldhura on Wednesday.

In a statement issued today, Far-Western regional headquarters of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) said security personnel and rebels clashed for about two hours Wednesday afternoon at Mauriya ilaka in the district.

The statement said clashes took place after a team of security personnel reached the area upon knowing that the rebels were forcibly collecting food and ‘donations’ from local people. The security personnel took a Maoist sentry into custody and engaged the rebels.

According to RNA, soldiers pursued the rebels for a distance of nearly three kilometers but gave up their operation after the rebels allegedly used students and locals in the premises of a local school as “human shields.”

The security team recovered arms, ammunition and logistics used by the rebels, the statement said.

There has been no word from the side of Maoists as yet regarding the incident. The latest clash took place just two days after the Maoists rebels called off their four-month-long unilateral ceasefire.

Major opposition parties in Kathmandu have blamed the government of provoking the rebels to return to violence.

Interior Minister Kamal Thapa, however, dismissed such allegations and claimed that the Maoist ceasefire was only a “strategic ploy.” He further said that the government was capable to maintain law and order in the country.