Kathmandu: In yet another massive strike, Maoist rebels attacked security posts in district headquarters of Sandhikhark, killing 85 security personnel and injuring 22 even as 2,000 rebels virtually seized the area and set ablaze various government offices.

Out of 200 Army and police stationed in the district headquarters in Sandhikhark, 300 km West of the capital, 85 security personnel were killed during the gun battle overnight that lasted for several hours, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Bala Bahadur said.

Twenty two security people who were injured during the fighting were taken on Army helicopter to Pokhara Hospital for medical treatment, Home Ministry sources said. No detailed information on casualty was available as the communication link between Kathmandu amd Sandhikhark has been broken.

Over 2,000 rebels chanting pro-Maoist slogans entered the district headquarter on August 8 night and started attacking the security forces deployed in the area, according to reports.

The Maoists exploded bombs at various government installations including district police office, Army barracks, district administration office and looted cash and valuables from local banks in the district, official sources said.

PTI