Rebels have launched an attack on the Nepalese town of Chautara, about 100km (60 miles) east of Kathmandu, sparking a battle with security forces. Hundreds of Maoists stormed the town and fought for six hours, attacking government offices and a prison, an official told Reuters news agency. Communications were cut and information on casualties was not available.Kathmandu, the capital, is imposing a new curfew though the next big protest rally is not due until Tuesday. The measure is in force on Monday from 1100 (0515 GMT) until 1800.
The Chautara attack appeared to be "pretty big", the official told Reuters, declining to be named. District authorities, he added, had requested helicopter support and reinforcements were being rushed to the area. The area is said to be a stronghold for the rebels who control large swathes of the Nepalese countryside.
More than 13,000 people have died in the 10-year Maoist insurgency aimed at replacing the monarchy with a communist republic. Violence has escalated since the rebels ended a truce in January although they declared a cease-fire in Kathmandu this month as street protests began against King Gyanendra's absolutist rule.