Maoists Wednesday shot dead two policemen at Charikot in Dolakha as they were sipping tea, Radio Nepal said quoting local security sources. They were identified as Tika Sapkota and Bharat Budhathoki.

Government forces did not suffer casualties when a gun battle erupted after reinforcements arrived. Rebel casualties were not mentioned.

Insurgents abducted four persons from a village in Kavre Tuesday, including two UML activists, the party said. The party called for the release of Devi Bajgain and Lok Narayan Bajgain who are farmers, the party said.

Security forces recently shot dead a rebel identified only as Prathik at Dorumba in Ramechap, a radio report said. Army has denied claims of the National Human Rights Commission that 19 Maoists were shot dead there in September after arrests.

Security forces Wednesday shot dead four Maoists laying ambushes in Dang, a radio report said.