Kathmandu, Sept 17: In the biggest anti-terror operation after the breakdown of cease-fire last month, 38 Maoists have been killed in two different operations including one at the rebel stronghold in Rolpa district, Radio Nepal said today quoting security sources. Rolpa, 550 km west of Kathmandu, is regarded as the headquarter of the Maoist rebels. Those killed in the operation at Jamkot area of the district may also include some of the Maoist commanders, the radio said.

The dead bodies of 35 rebels have been recovered by security forces after the incident, the radio said, adding the death toll on the Maoists side could be even higher.

Four soldiers and one policeman were also killed in the fighting between the rebels and the security forces that started this morning and lasted for a few hours. Five other security people were injured in the crossfire. The security forces have also recovered a large cache of arms, ammunitions, explosives and logistic supports, the radio said.

Three Maoists, including an area commander, have been killed in another operation against rebels at Byas village in Tanahu district Wednesday, according to the Radio Nepal.

Bureau Report