Civilians 'trapped' in Nepal war

Many civilians have called for an end to the conflict

By Sushil Sharma BBC correspondent in Kathmandu

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed concern over the conditions of civilians in areas affected by the Maoist rebellion in Nepal.

The Red Cross says many civilians have become victims, being caught in crossfire between the rebels and the security forces.

The comments came after a three-member team visited some of the worst affected districts amid allegations of human rights violations by both sides.

Nearly 4,000 people are thought to have been killed in the six-year-old Maoist revolt which has wrecked Nepal's economy.

Medical aid

The chief of the Red Cross team, Jean Jacques Bovay, said many civilians did not even get basic medical assistance.

Army operation is continuing

The team has delivered its report after a week-long visit to the western districts of Rolpa, Pyuthan and Dang.

The three districts witnessed the fiercest clashes between security forces and rebels in recent weeks, in which hundreds died on both sides.

The Red Cross officials assessed the conditions of the civilians.

They also visited the nearby town of Nepalgunj and distributed medicines.

Human shields

Many civilians are thought to have been caught in the crossfire, although the exact number could not be ascertained.

Some reports said Maoist rebels used the civilians as human shields.

Meanwhile, the authorities said rebels bombed a village and a charity hostel for orphans in the western district of Surkhet on Saturday.

The blast caused minor damage but no one was hurt.

A state of emergency was imposed in Nepal in November last year in an effort to quell the Maoist revolt.