Nepal ceasefire 'violated'

By Sushil Sharma
BBC correspondent in Kathmandu

The Maoists agreed to resume peace talks last week

A leading Nepalese human rights group has said that more than 50 people have been killed since a ceasefire between the government and Maoist rebels came into force in January.

The group accuses both sides of violating the terms of the ceasefire.

The Informal Sector Service Centre (Insec) says the casualties include many civilians.

It says a number of rebels and security forces personnel have died in clashes since a ceasefire was declared in January ahead of peace talks aimed at ending the seven-year conflict.

The rebels have been blamed for more killings than the security forces.

Eight security personnel have been reported killed over the past week.

Peace hurdles

Although there has been no major violation of the cease-fire, minor skirmishes have occurred frequently across the country.

There have also been reports of extortion, abduction and arbitrary arrests.

The chairman of Insec, Subodh Raj Pyakurel, told the BBC that such incidents could jeopardise the prospects for peace.

He said the government and the rebels must honour the cease-fire code to create a more conducive atmosphere for the next round of talks.

The talks are due to resume next week after a gap of three months.

Both sides have vowed to peacefully resolve the conflict in which 7,000 people have died.

But uncertainty still persists due to mutual mistrust and suspicion.