Himalayan News Service

Pokhara, January 17

Six Maoists were killed by the security forces in separate incidents across the country in the past 24 hours, security sources said.

Five Maoists were killed in separate encounters in Dhading and Argakhanchi districts, the Mid-Pretna Headquarters, Pokhara said.

Three Maoists died on the spot in Moolpani VDC-2 in Dhading district this morning. They were killed in a retaliatory attack by the security forces following a socket bomb attack by the Maoists.

Two Maoists were killed in Argakhanchi district yesterday. They were identified as Maan Bahadur Budhamagar and Resham Bahadur Nepal, the Mid-Pretna Headquarters, Pokhara said.

Meanwhile, a report from Lahan said a Maoist was killed by the security forces at Naraha Chowk yesterday evening. The Maoist was killed when a group of three Maoists attacked the security team.

Meanwhile, four persons including two children were injured when a Maoist bomb went off at 1 pm at Dandagaon of Nilkantha VDC-5 near Dhadingbesi of Dhading district today.

The injured are Beena Sarki, 3, Dambar Bahadur Sarki, 10, their mother Suk Maya Sarki, 32 and Beema Rijal, 60. Dambar Bahadur is said to be in critical condition. He has serious injuries in abdomen and has his left hand severed.

According to the police, the bomb exploded when Dambar Bahadur picked up the stray bomb mistaking it for a toy. He has been taken to Kathmandu for the treatment.