Saturday, August 13 2005 15:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Stepping up their anti-insurgency operation, Nepalese security forces have gunned down 20 Maoists after a rebel attack left one soldier dead and five injured in the southwest Nawalparasi district.

The incident occurred yesterday (Aug 12, 2005) when the security forces were clearing obstacles placed by the Maoists in Chormara and Arunkhola areas along the highway in Nawalparasi, state-run 'The Rising Nepal' reported, quoting security sources.

The troops were first attacked by the rebels who killed one soldier and injured five others. Retaliating, the security forces shot dead 20 rebels, the report said.

Meanwhile 5,000 students have been deprived of their studies after the closure of 35 schools following the Maoist attack in Pilli area of Kalikot district, where 43 security Personnel and 26 rebels were killed last week.

More than 400 children have been killed and over 20,000 displaced since the Maoists launched insurgency in 1996.

The European Union has expressed concern over the affect of the armed conflict on the Nepalese children.

Calling on the guerillas to keep children out of the armed conflict, the EU has asked the Government in a statement to ensure safety of the children and stressed for their rehabilitation.