659 Nepali civilians killed in six months

A total of 659 civilians have lost their lives in the last six months, spokesman of Nepali government told reporters here Friday.

More than 600 anti-government guerrillas were killed in the last three months in Nepal, Tanka Dhakal, who is also minister for information and communication, said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, a total of 429 personnel of the Royal Nepalese Army, 128 of the Armed Police Force and 354 of the Nepal Police died in military operations during the last six months, Dhakal added.

Responding to a question, Dhakal said that a total of 98 people had been taken under preventive detention and 13 others were placed under house arrest after King Gyanendra took over power of the state on Feb. 1.

However, 50 people out of the 98 who were detained and 13 others who were placed under house arrest had been already released within three months, Dhakal noted, adding, "There are currently 48 persons under detention and they also will be released respectively."

Source: Xinhua