While some 5,000 people have died since the Maoist rebels began their insurrection in 1996, some two thirds of the deaths have occurred since the rebels broke a ceasefire 11 months ago and launched a major offensive. During that period, the army has confirmed 2,800 rebel dead and believes another thousand died as well. Some 300 rebels have been arrested. The army has lost 205 dead and 305 wounded.
