19 killed as Maoist attack Govt offices in Nepal

Kathmandu, April 8: At least 19 people, including two civilians and four security personnel, were killed when the Maoists launched simultaneous attacks on the government offices in two districts in south Western Nepal last night.

According to a local radio, at least seven Maoists and on e civilian were killed when the Maoists attacked Butwal, the headquarter of Lumbini Zone. Seven others, including two civilians, were injured in the incident.

Thousands of Maoists launched a massive attack on all security installations in Butwal from the surrounding hills at around 2000 hrs yesterday. The Maoists attacked the area police office in Butwal, the western regional police office training centre and the army training centre at Golpark.

Six Maoists, four security personnel and one civilian were killed yesterday in the overnight clash between the security forces and Maoists in Taulihawa, the Headquarters of Kapilvastu District.

''The Maoists launched massive attack on the District Police Office, RNA barracks, district prison, district forest office and other government offices in Taulihawa at around 1030 pm,'' Sagarmatha FM said adding that 104 prisoners were freed.

The rebels exploded bombs and set fire to some government offices. Heavy gun fight ensued between the security forces and the rebels and continued till late in the night.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Public Relations of the army Headquarters in Kathmandu has said they have foiled the Maoists attack in both the places .

''The security forces retaliated strongly and completely foiled the attacks. The situation is under control and a massive search has been launched in the surrounding areas of both the places,'' the headquarter said.

Prior to their attack, the Maoists blocked sections of the Siddhartha highway around 1830 hrs last evening. They have dumped logs and boulders on the highway.

Curfew have been imposed in both the places.

UNI