About 13 killed in Maoists attack; over 50 arrested

Kathmandu, Apr 6: At least 13 people, including five security personnel, were killed when the Maoist rebels attacked a district headquarters in south eastern Nepal late last night.

The incident took place hours before a four-day nationwide general strike was called by the seven-party alliance against King Gyanendra's monarchy from today.

According to a local radio at least eight Maoists and five security personnel were killed when the ultras launched simultaneous attacks on all government and security offices in Malangwa, the headquarters of Sarlahi district. The Maoists have also abducted Government officers including chief district officer.

''The District Administration Office, District Police Office, District Development Committee Office, District Prison and other government offices caught fire after the attack and were burning till late in the night'', Sagarmatha FM said.

The Maoists used sophisticated weapons and exploded powerful bombs during the attack which began at 2100 hrs local time and continued till midnight.

Meanwhile more than 50 political leaders and activists including Sujata Koirala, Meena Pandey, Suresh Malla of Nepali Congress, Ashok Rai of CPN UML and other leaders of the seven Political parties were arrested during the demonstrations in support of the strike from various parts of the country.

Educational institutes, factories and private offices were closed and transport off the road in view of the general strike.

The seven-parties alliance, which represented more than 90 per cent of the seats in the dissolved House of parliament, have been launching protests and demonstration against self-rule of the King.

UNI