A landmine blast in western Nepal killed three people this morning in the latest of a series of attacks by suspected Maoist rebels fighting to bring down the monarchy, police said.
At least 54 people, mostly policemen, were killed on Thursday when rebels attacked police posts using rocket launchers and bombs. The attacks, in western Dang district, were the deadliest against security forces since February.
Today’s attack took place at Laltinbazaar in Bajura district.
The Maoists launched their rebellion in 1996 and stepped up their attacks after walking out of peace talks last year.
Nepal has imposed a state of emergency to quell the revolt and given the army sweeping powers to crack down on the rebels.
The revolt has claimed more than 3,000 lives and badly hit the economy of a nation that draws thousands of visitors and mountain climbers a year and depends on the tourist industry for much of its revenue.