Nepali Maoists reveal strength for first time

"We are about 36,000 (fighters) in the People's Liberation Army now," Bibidh (one name), a Maoist commander was quoted by the Nepali daily, Kantipur, as saying.

"This keeps on changing at the time of fighting."

It was the first time the Maoists have disclosed the number of their fighters since they began fighting against the monarchy in 1996 in a conflict, which has killed more than 13,000 people.

Nepali security officials have estimated rebel strength at around 15,000 combatants versus a government army of 100,000 besides thousands of police.

The Maoists and the government, set up after King Gyanendra handed power to political parties in April following mass protests against his absolute rule, have been observing a ceasefire for more than two months.

They are also holding peace talks aimed at ending the insurgency and the Maoists are expected to join an interim government in the Himalayan nation in the coming months.