Rebels abduct school children in Nepal - army

KATHMANDU, Sunday (Reuters)

Maoist rebels in western Nepal have abducted at least 450 school children over the past three days and beaten local aid workers prompting foreign donors to suspend some operations, officials said.

The army said the pupils were taken in Palpa, Tanahun and Baglung districts.

The Maoists regularly abduct school children in remote areas for indoctrination or to boost numbers in pro-Maoist rallies. The children are generally returned after a few days unharmed.