Kathmandu, Nov 25: Five policemen and two Maoist rebels were killed in separate militancy-related incidents in Nepal, police said today. Three policemen, including two assistant inspectors, were killed and six others injured when their van ran over a landmine laid by the Maoists in Damak of Jhapa district in east Nepal yesterday, police sources said.

In waling of Syangja district, two armed police force personnel, including an inspector, died in a Maoist ambush yesterday.

Two Maoists were shot dead by security forces in Bhusah village of Gaur in central Terai yesterday afternoon after the rebels fired on soldiers patrolling the area, police said. The Royal Nepal Army foiled an attempt by armed rebels to loot the Rastriya Banijya Bank in Kawasoti, the 'Rising Nepal' daily reported.

The Maoists ambushed the vehicle carrying the money from but the security forces defended it, the daily said quoting security sources. However, three employees of the bank were injured in the attack.

In a separate incident, suspected Maoists looted Rs five lakh from a house in Kalaiya district yesterday. After tying up the owners of the house, an aged couple, the armed group made away with their gold ornaments and cash, the paper said.

Bureau Report