The United States has decided to give Nepal another 20,000 M-16 rifles to help the Royal Nepal Army fight the Maoist insurgency, Nepal Samacharpatra said quoting agencies.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca said the guns are being sent to Nepal to modernise the Army. She said rebels are attempting to overthrow the government and called their activities terroristic.

Rocca said Washington wants stability and democracy in Nepal. She said Maoists have directly gained from differences between the King and political parties. Rocca made it clear that the United States will

continue its military assistance to Nepal like other friendly states.

Rocca said Maoist issue should be resolved through talks. It was not clear if the rifles are being purchased or is being gifted by the US.