Nepali Maoists declare 9-day truce for Dasin

"The Maoist party has decided to suspend all military actions from October 20 to October 28 to allow the Nepalese to celebrate the Dasain festival," Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said in a media statement.

Dasain celebrates the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga who vanquished demons and saved humanity. It is the scenic Himalayan kingdom's most popular festival, bringing together family and friends.

The Maoists have been fighting since 1996 to topple the monarchy and replace it with communist rule in an increasingly bloody battle that has claimed more than 10,000 lives.

It was unclear whether the ceasefire announcement could pave the way for a renewal of peace talks between the government and the rebels.

A group of prominent Nepali civilians headed by retired Supreme Court judge Krishna Jung Rayamajhi set up a peace commission this week and called for a truce for the festival.

Violence has surged here since a peace dialogue collapsed in 2003, with around eight people dying on average daily in insurgency-related incidents.

Meanwhile, at least ten Maoists were killed in separate clashes with security forces in three western districts of the kingdom, a security official said Thursday.

"At least ten Maoists were killed in separate clashes with security forces in three western districts of the kingdom on Wednesday," the official said.

"Seven Maoists including three female rebels were killed in clashes with the security forces at Chapdanda area of Baglung district (far west) on Wedneday," the official said.