Himalayan News Service

Dhading, May 12:

Seven security personnel were killed in clashes between the security forces and Maoists near the Jawang river yesterday, said a security source at the district. The clash began at two in the afternoon and went on till late night, the source added. The Maoists attacked the security force that went with relief materials for the victims of the ambulance ambush.

All those in the ambulance were severely injured. The security source claimed that 16 Maoists were killed in the clash, but the Maoists have denied it. They say only two were injured. Meanwhile, Maoists have threatened to destroy the Somua River Hydroelectricity Project, the sole source of electricity in Taplejung district, if they were not provided with 25 per cent of the amount collected from the customers.