A least 20 securitymen were killed in a clash with the anti-government guerrillas in western Nepal, Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) confirmed in Kathmandu Wednesday.

"At least 20 securitymen including 17 policemen and three armymen were killed in a night-long clash between the security forces and the guerrillas in Tansen city, the district headquarters of Palpa district, some 300 km west of Kathmandu," anofficial at RNA Public Relation Directorate told Xinhua News Agency by telephone on condition of anonymity.

Heavy fighting was launched between the two sides between 11:00 PM Tuesday and 6:00 AM Wednesday (local time), he noted, adding, "A total of 143 policemen, who were sent out without any weapons for the municipal polls to be held on February 8, are reportedout of contact."

About half a dozen of injured securitymen have been brought to Pokhara city of Kaski district, some 200 km west of Kathmandu, forfurther treatment.

Casualties on the guerrillas side are to be verified, the official said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2006)