Kathmandu, Dec 06: Twenty-one Maoist rebels and three policemen were killed in clashes across Nepal, police said today. Police officials reported the deaths in 10 skirmishes across the kingdom since late yesterday. The deadliest was in the eastern Khotang district, where four rebels and one policeman were killed.
Violence has surged across Nepal since the rebels ended a ceasefire in August after seven months.
A British envoy, Jeffrey James, met with King Gyanendra yesterday and called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed negotiations.
The Maoists have been fighting to overthrow the monarchy since 1996 in an insurgency that has claimed more than 8,300 lives.

Breau Report