US embassy cable - 02KATHMANDU1053

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 001053 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR SA/INS, DS/DSS/ITA, AND DS/OP/NEA 
LONDON FOR RIEDL 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PTER, PGOV, ASEC, NP, Maoist Insurgency 
SUBJECT: ARMY AND POLICE SUCCESSFULLY REPULSE ATTACK ON 
CAMP IN ROLPA 
 
 
1.  Local papers report that the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) 
inflicted heavy casualties on Maoist insurgents who were 
attempting to overrun a security forces camp in Khara, Rukum 
(one of the five districts comprising the Maoist heartland). 
Maoists attacked the camp, garrisoned by approximately 50 RNA 
soldiers and 20 Nepal Police officers, beginning about 10:00 
p.m. on May 27 and ending at around 4:00 a.m., May 28.  The 
camp's garrison was deployed to Khara as part of the 
Integrated Security and Development Program.  The reports 
state that 5 RNA soldiers were killed and 19 injured in the 
engagement; the bodies of at least 100 Maoists are said to 
have been recovered, as well as approximately 80 weapons, 
including a light machine gun.  The RNA employed a helicopter 
with night vision capability in the action.  The helicopter's 
arrival on scene is credited with causing the insurgents to 
break off their attack.  Accounts of the fighting from 
Embassy sources are consistent with the press reporting. 
MALINOWSKI