At least three Maoist militants have been killed in encounters with the security forces in Palpa and Tehrathum districts.

Two Maoists were killed during a clash with the security forces at Devgiri area of Palpa district Saturday afternoon, a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. The dead bodies were found during a search following the skirmish, it added.

Similarly, one Maoist was killed during a search operation carried out by the security forces in Saghuri Bihibare area of Tehrathum district on Friday. The dead has been identified as Ram Bahadur Limbu alias Lila, a member of the Maoist-affiliated Kirat National Liberation Front, the MoD statement said.