Kathmandu, Nov 08: At least 15 Maoist rebels were killed in separate skirmishes with government troops, the state-run radio Nepal said today. Seven rebels were killed in fighting yesterday in Rupandeshi, about 300 km southwest of Kathmandu, the radio said quoting the defence ministry.

The other rebels were killed in separate battles yesterday elsewhere in this Himalayan kingdom. The report did not give further details. It is impossible to confirm casualty reports as the rebels are located in remote mountainous regions.

Fighting between the rebels and government troops has escalated since the insurgents pulled out of peace talks in august, ending a seven-month cease-fire. At least 1,200 people have died in the latest fighting. Bureau Report