Ten more deaths were reported Wednesday in Nepal's Maoist insurgency as talks broke down to end a rebel strike at schools that has kept 7.5 million students out of class for 10 days, officials said.
At least 10 Maoist rebels were killed and 25 wounded in a clash with troops in Terhathum district, 290 kilometres (180 miles) east of Kathmandu, an army official said.
Further details were awaited from the gun battle, which occurred Saturday. Authorities in Kathmandu only learned of it Wednesday because of the remoteness of the area.
The Maoists, who are fighting to overthrow the monarchy, have rejected calls for peace talks by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who was sworn in June 3 by King Gyanendra. On Monday a landmine planted by suspected Maoists killed 21 policemen and injured 16 others.