Monday, September 26 2005 10:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: At least six Maoists were killed and five, including a 12-year-old boy, arrested by Nepalese security forces in Palpa district, in the first major clash after the rebels announced ceasefire on September three.

The rebels attacked a security patrol in Bahadurpur area on Saturday (Sept 24, 2005). In the ensuing gun battle five Maoists were killed, according to sources at the Army Headquarters.

Security forces arrested five Maoist cadres, including a district committee member, during the incident.

One of those arrested was a 12-year-old boy working as the child soldier for the rebels, the Army claimed.

In the cross-firing, a seven-year old girl sustained bullet injuries. She has been airlifted to Kathmandu and admitted at the Birendra Military hospital for treatment, the Army said.

Two pistols, three home made guns, two 12 bore guns, socket bombs, bomb making devices and documents were recovered from the Maoists.

The Maoists had announced unilateral ceasefire early this month. But the Army had accused the rebels of using it as a 'ploy' to build their force and of indulging in violence.