Nepal rebels 'capture police'

In recent weeks the rebels have increased their attacks

More than 70 policemen are missing after Maoist rebels in Nepal attacked a police station in the north-west of the country.

One policeman was killed and another seriously injured in the attack. There are unconfirmed reports that 71 other officers were abducted.

The rebels are fighting for a "people's republic"

About 300 rebels are reported to have been involved in a prolonged gun battle at the Holery police post.

The attack came as most of the Nepal was brought to a halt by a one-day strike called by the rebels.

The Maoists have stepped up attacks on the police in the wake of the instability caused by last month's massacre of most of the royal family.

Although an official report said the massacre was the work of the former king's son, the rebels insist it was the result of a national and international conspiracy.

Unknown destination

A report by the AFP news agency said the 71 policemen had surrendered, and given up their weapons and ammunition.

It said the rebels had then taken the officers to an unknown destination.

Crown Prince Dipendra was officially blamed for the royal massacre

The reported capture of the police came despite increased security imposed because of the strike.

In the capital, Kathmandu, most shops remained shut and the streets were almost deserted.

Police strengthened patrols around telephone towers, bridges and government buildings.

Thousands of riot police were deployed in the main towns and commercial centres, as schools, businesses and transport closed down.

Security laws

In recent weeks the Maoists have targeted the prime minister and the king as well as the police.

The rebels have been angered by a tough new law clamping down on anyone seen as a threat to national security.

They say the regulations, which were introduced last month, are anti-democratic.

At least 15 bombs have been planted in and around Kathmandu in the past few weeks, of which six have exploded.

Both the official residence and the home of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala have been threatened.

A bomb went off on Wednesday outside the house of his daughter, but no one was injured.

The rebels have also targeted companies in which Nepal's new monarch, King Gyanendra, is reported to have major shares. He is viewed as less liberal than his late brother.

Police massacre

The rebels marked King Gyanendra's birthday at the weekend by killing some 40 policemen during co-ordinated attacks on police check posts in three different areas.

And on Tuesday, a senior police officer was killed by a landmine allegedly planted by the rebels in the south-west of the country.

Senior Superintendent Parameswore Singh Sijapati was the most senior officer to be killed by the Maoists since they launched their "people's war" in 1996 against the constitutional monarchy.

The rebels are fighting to establish a "people's republic" in Nepal and are demanding land reform, an end to close ties with India, no more foreign aid and no role for the monarchy.