Pokhara, January 13:

The bodies of two more Maoists killed in a crossfire yesterday with security personnel at Chitrebhanjyang and Ambote on the border of Tanahun and Syangja, were recovered today. The total death toll in yesterday’s operations now stands at 12, a security source said.

The RNA’s western regional headquarters in Pokhara said it conducted an aerial survey all day and that the search for Maoists was continuing. The RNA’s Ramban company in Syangja said it was continuing aerial survey.

People in the region are terrified following the clashes, our Tanahun correspondent reported. They are afraid to venture out of their houses even today. Even people in the vicinity areas of Chitrebhanjyang like Bhimad, Kihun, Buchakhani and Ramche villages are traumatised.

Manorath Sharma, a journalist, informed that even on Friday locals were unable to emerge as the clashes were continuing. The site is 15 km southwest of Bhimad in Tanahun.

Though security source claimed 12 Maoists died, the rebels said only 3 of their cadres had been killed.