Nepal says kills 35 in raid on Maoist camp

[demdave]

KATHMANDU (Reuters) - At least 35 Maoist rebels were killed and dozens wounded on Wednesday after troops stormed a guerrilla hideout in Nepal, the biggest outbreak of fighting since the end of a truce last month, officials said.



They said four government soldiers also died in the attack on the rebel bastion in Kuinkot in Rolpa district, 400 km west of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.


The assault came a day ahead of the start of a three-day general strike called by the Maoists in support of demands for a new constitution to decide the future of the monarchy.


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=834&ncid=731&e=10&u=/nm/20030917/wl_india_nm/india_129378

[HERVEPA]

1. More bad news for Nepal

Travel there already being hurt again by suspension of truce and unfounded reports of Maoists intending to target Americans and Brits and by dire U.S. embassy warnings.

Sad place. Corruption all around. I trekked there in 2000 and went through a village temporarily controlled by Maoists. My guide said I was Canadian, rather than American, when questioned by Maoists.

Situation seems much worse now.

[J B]

2. Maoists have killed dozens in many attacks in recent years

This is the first time I've personally heard of any payback at all.

They seem to kill people only in bunches in that country.

[HERVEPA]

4. Sorta not true

Government has done strikes against Maoists also in past.
Lot less opportunity for symapthy by people for Maoists if govenment and monarchy were not so corrupt and money was a little more equitably distributed.

It is a beautiful place to visit, and the people, especially in the mountains, are wonderful.

I urge people to visit when situation calms down again.

[paulk]

3. as one who has been to Nepal several times

I had some real hope that the recent truce would lead to a peaceful resolution. But, no.

The rainy season is over and the tourist season starts in earnest - just in time for the Maoists to call a general strike. The gov't goes back on the offensive. Curfews in Kathmandu. Foreign investment dwindles, along with hope for a better future.

Nepal is destroying itself.