13 die as new violence flares in revolt-hit Nepal

KATHMANDU, Sunday (AFP) - Eleven Maoist rebels fighting to overthrow Nepal's monarchy and two soldiers have been killed in a battle in the eastern part of the Himalayan kingdom, the army said.

The clash, which began late Friday, was the latest violence ahead of the first anniversary on Wednesday of the seizure of power by King Gyanendra.

"Eleven Maoist bodies were recovered from the clash site at Hatuwagadhi area in Bhojpur, during a search operation on Saturday," said an official at Royal Nepalese Army headquarters in Kathmandu.

The clash, in which two soldiers were also killed, lasted until 2:00 am local time Saturday, the official said.

Troops on Saturday were scouring the rugged area, located 260 kilometres (162 miles) east of the capital Kathmandu, for signs of more rebels.

"Additional troops have been mobilized to intensify the search operations in the area," the officer told AFP. There was no immediate reaction from the Maoists, who rarely comment on clashes.

The battle came after the army said five rebels blew themselves up Thursday while making a bomb in Siraha district, located 420 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu..

A local newspaper reported candidates for the polls were being housed in army barracks to protect them from Maoist rebel attacks.

"In a number of districts, candidates have been taken to security camps for protection," the Kathmandu Post, an independent daily, reported. It said in western Nepal, where the Maoists have a strong presence, 113 candidates were living in an army base tent.

Another newspaper, the Himalayan Times, said "fear-gripped families" of candidates had been begging them to pull out of the contest.