Six killed as Nepali Maoists raid town

Nepalese residents walk past a fire set by the pro-democracy protesters in streets in the streets of Kathmandu yesterday. Maoist rebels have called a ceasefire in and around Kathmandu where thousands of Nepalis have taken to the streets over the last 18 days and gone on strike in a protest against the absolute rule of King Gyanendra. PHOTO: AFP

Sunday night's attack by the insurgents -- fighting to overthrow the monarchy since 1996 -- was among the biggest in nearly three weeks since a mass pro-democracy campaign erupted across the impoverished Himalayan kingdom.

The attack may have been designed to increase pressure on the king and engage security forces already struggling to quell protests around the country, analysts said.

It took place in Chautara, about 100km east of Kathmandu, when the rebels attacked a police station, district administration office, a telecommunications tower and a jail in the town, authorities said.

"We have found bodies of five Maoists in combat dress. One soldier also died," an army officer told Reuters, adding that four civilians were wounded in the crossfire.

"We have foiled their attempt to overrun the town," he said.

Chautara lies in the hills of Sindhupalchowk district, a stronghold of the rebels.

A Reuters reporter on his way to the area said that the rebels had blocked the road about 30km short of Chautara town with fallen trees and boulders, apparently to prevent troops from rushing in reinforcements.

District authorities had requested helicopter support and reinforcements, one government official said, while some locals near the area said the fighting could still be going on.

News of the attack came as an alliance of seven political parties vowed to hold more anti-king protests on Monday for the 19th consecutive day, and bring hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets of Kathmandu for a major rally on Tuesday.

"We are preparing for a massive rally, to fill the entire ring road with people," Kashinath Adhikary, an official from the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), the country's second biggest political party, told Reuters.

He said top leaders would lead the demonstrations on Tuesday for the first time since this round of protests began on April 6.

Although the 27 km ring road lies within the curfew zone, large stretches are in the hands of the protesters, with burning logs and tires blocking access to security forces.