48 killed in fresh violence in Nepal
Nepalese soldiers killed at least 48 communist rebels and lost four troops in a battle in the country’s southwest, officials said.
It was the latest clash since the king imposed emergency rule a month ago to focus on stamping out the insurgency.
The fierce fighting took place late yesterday and early today near the village of Mohammadpur, about 350 miles southwest of Katmandu, after soldiers went to the area to clear trees and debris that rebels had used to block a highway, police and army officials said.
Rebels hiding nearby threw a bomb at the troops and opened fire, with soldiers quickly taking positions and fighting back, the officials said.
At least 48 rebels were killed, the officials said, adding that the casualty toll could be higher because villagers saw guerrillas carrying away bodies. Two soldiers and two police officers were killed, the officials added.
Soldiers in helicopters and on the ground were still searching the area for guerrillas.
It was the biggest clash since King Gyanendra took over power on February 1, suspending civil liberties and promising to take care of the rebel problem.
The rebels, who say they’re inspired by Chinese revolutionary Mao Zedong, began fighting in 1996 to dislodge the monarchy and establish communist rule in the Himalayan nation.
More than 10,500 people have died in the insurgency.
