Palpa, March 5:

The death toll on the Maoists’ side has reached 25 in the clash that occurred between the Maoists and security forces on the border of Arghakhanchi and Palpa districts on Tuesday. Around 15 security forces also died in the clash. Human rights activists and mediapersons who reached the spot to collect data of damage said neither the government nor the rebel forces have given the exact toll figure on either side and added that no less than 45 casualties occurred, in view of the state of the spot and bodies lying around.

Nepal Red Cross Society’s office-bearers returned to the district headquarters after inspection on Thursday and held a programme on Friday to minimize the fear in people’s minds and to work out compensation provision to the victims.

Human rights conservation officers of the National Human Rights Commission, Thakur Prasad Chapagai and Badri Prasad Subedi after the inspection of the spot went to the Sandhikhark, the district headquarter of Arghakhanchi, where they met district-based heads of security organs and discussed measures for immediate relief to the concerned.

Schools in Arghakhanchi’s Padena and Pokharathok have remained shut since then. Fear has gripped people in the area. However, shops have resumed business as usual since the last two days, said a local, Tek Raj Pokhrel.