Nepal army choppers attack rebel shelters

Nepali troops backed by helicopters have attacked Maoist camps in the jungles in the west of the country, as part of a new offensive against...

Nepali troops backed by helicopters have attacked Maoist camps in the jungles in the west of the country, as part of a new offensive against the rebels launched after the king seized power a week ago.

Dozens of Maoists were killed in Monday’s strikes on training camps and shelters near Nepalgunj in the west, newspapers said on Tuesday. The Army said several Maoists but no soldiers were killed, though it was still awaiting details. A military officer said troops were returning to the city after the operation.

The Army said at least three Maoists were killed in other clashes on Monday and a soldier died defusing a land mine.

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King Gyanendra sacked the government, suspended civil rights and seized power on February 1. The Maoists have threatened a blockade and traffic strike throughout the country on Feb. 13 if he does not restore democracy. The government has warned traders against hoarding fuel and essential supplies.

The King’s declaration of a state of emergency cut phones within the Himalayan kingdom and with the outside world untill late Monday.

Late on Monday, domestic and international phone lines began working again for the first time in a week. Internet services were also restored.

Rights groups plan the first open show of defiance against the king on Thursday and have called their supporters onto the streets for a ‘‘black flag’’ rally outside the sprawling complex housing parliament and the prime minister’s office. A smaller protest called for Wednesday did not take place after dozens of armed police took positions around a busy square in the heart of Kathmandu. —Reuters